NFL rumors: 3 Cowboys contingency plans if they lose Tony Pollard in 2024

The Dallas Cowboys placed the franchise tag on Tony Pollard Monday, but what if he were to leave in 2024?

Theoretically, if Tony Pollard and Dallas are still in a contract standoff next offseason, the Cowboys could franchise tag the star running back again. However, the Cowboys certainly hope it never gets to that point.

Pollard will make over $10 million guaranteed this coming season, as Dallas placed the franchise tag on him in May. Per recent reports, it appears the team didn’t make much of an effort to sign Pollard to a long-term extension after May, however. That sort of bad blood can linger, especially if the front office doesn’t renew their effort this season.

While playing in Ezekiel Elliott’s shadow for much of his career so far, Pollard has proven to be explosive when he gets the necessary touches. Now that Zeke is no longer in Dallas, it’s fair to expect Pollard’s numbers to increase, as well as his overall value.

The Cowboys would prefer to pay Pollard after he has a big season, rather than before. But what happens if they can’t afford him? Thankfully, Dallas has plenty of options to choose from in 2024.

NFL Rumors: Cowboys could sign Jonathan Taylor

Jonathan Taylor is arguably the best running back in football when he’s healthy, but like most of his peers at the position, hasn’t received a long-term contract offer to his liking. If the Colts fail to pay him his worth, expect Taylor to sign on elsewhere.

Though Indianapolis is building for the future, signing Taylor should be in their long-term interest, as he provides a security blanket for rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson. This is the same value he’d bring to Dallas, allowing Dak Prescott to perform in a run-heavy, play-action setting rather than having to run the show on his own accord.

The only issue? Spotrac has Taylor’s market value set at $13 million, which exceeds even what Dallas is paying Pollard on the franchise tag this season. Unless they can sign Taylor to a short-term deal, this match feels a little unlikely.