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

ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 18: Tony Pollard #20 of the Dallas Cowboys carries the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals at AT&T Stadium on September 18, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 18: Tony Pollard #20 of the Dallas Cowboys carries the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals at AT&T Stadium on September 18, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /
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Austin Eke
Jan 14, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (30) against the Jacksonville Jaguars during a wild card playoff game at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

NFL Rumors: Cowboys could free Austin Ekeler

Austin Ekeler has been very vocal about the depreciating running back market, and rightly so — he’s set to be a free agent in 2024. If recent trends are any indications, he’ll have a tough time receiving his worth.

“From a player’s aspect, we have no control,” Ekeler said. “I have no control. So really who we want answers from is the ownership. Like, why are you doing this? What’s the reason?…They (owners) ain’t gonna say anything, either. Because, for whatever reason, they’ve got this thing going on where it’s like a new trend, like, ‘Oh, let’s not pay these guys.’ I don’t know, maybe they’re just testing us. Like, ‘Hey, let’s see what happens.’ But, you know, you poke the bear and you’re gonna make us have to do something.”

Ekeler is a multifaceted running back who would change the outlook of the Cowboys offense. On paper, he’s an even better fit than Pollard or Elliott, as he can help in the running and passing game. Ekeler is an All-Pro talent and deserves his money. His market value, though, could price him out of Los Angeles. If Dallas can find the cap room, he’s the kind of back who could take their offense to the next level when healthy.