Dallas Cowboys, running back Tony Pollard fail to reach long-term deal before deadline

The Dallas Cowboys and running back Tony Pollard failed to agree to terms on a long-term contract by Monday’s 3 p.m. deadline for franchised-tagged players.

No more negotiations are allowed until after the season. The Cowboys placed running back Pollard on the franchise tag in early March. He will play on a one-year $10.9 million contract.

Pollard emerged as the Cowboys best running back last season, setting career-highs in yards (1,007), receiving yards (371), rushing touchdowns (nine) and receiving touchdowns (three). He also earned his first Pro Bowl selection.

Running backs have struggled to get long-term deals. Former Minnesota Vikings RB Dalvin Cook is still searching and Los Angeles Chargers RB Austin Ekeler accepted a revised deal in lieu of a desired extension.

With the NFL’s increased focus on the passing game, more running backs have been seen as replaceable.

Ex-Denver Broncos RB Melvin Gordon called the position the worst to play in the NFL on the “Jim Rome Show,” citing that big-name running backs have struggled to get paid.

Pollard suffered a high ankle sprain in the Cowboys’ second-round playoff loss against the San Francisco 49ers.

He underwent surgery and is expected to be ready for the start of Cowboys training camp on July 26.

This story was originally published July 17, 2023 at 9:07 AM.