3 pending 2024 free agents Cowboys fans should worry about losing, 1 who can walk

2. Cowboys should be scared to lose RB Tony Pollard

There are still a handful of days that the Dallas Cowboys could get an extension done with running back Tony Pollard before he’s ultimately playing the 2023 season on the franchise tag, which would make him a free agent again next offseason. And really, it would be great to get that done and avoid any future headaches.

But there’s a good reason that the front office made the decision to place the tag on the former fourth-round pick (2019).

Playing the RB2 role behind Ezekiel Elliott, Pollard emerged as one of the most productive per-touch running backs in the NFL, if not the most productive. Though he’s averaged just 10.4 carries per game over the past two seasons, he’s put up 5.3 yards per attempt over that span with 11 touchdowns to his credit. Then you throw in the fact that he has 78 receptions for 708 yards and three scores over that span as well, and you see how dangerous he’s been.

Zeke’s gone now, though, making Pollard the unquestioned leader of the backfield. And with the way he affects the rushing and passing attacks, in addition to showing impressive improvement as a pass blocker in recent years as well, he’s going to be a stud in a bigger role.

It’s crucial, however, for the Cowboys to ensure that’s not just a one year thing for Pollard. Yes, handing out long-term contracts to running backs can be extremely tricky business in the modern NFL, a lesson Dallas hopefully learned with Elliott. With that said, if they can find a suitable and reasonable number to re-sign Pollard at, his importance to the offense dictates making that a priority.