The Dallas Cowboys apply the franchise tag
The Dallas Cowboys were reportedly looking at a few options for the franchise tag this season. In 2022, the Cowboys used the franchise tag on tight end Dalton Shultz. The team has not yet extended Schultz’s contract, and it’s likely he’ll part with the team after reports came out that the Cowboys used the franchise tag for 2023 on another offensive position.
According to Ian Rapoport with the NFL Network, the Cowboys will use the franchise tag on running back Tony Pollard for this season. The team could not strike a deal on a long-term contract before the franchise tag deadline on Tuesday.
The move might cause a domino effect in the Cowboys’ running backs room. According to a report by Dan Graziano with ESPN this weekend, the team could save cap space by releasing running back Ezekiel Elliott this offseason:
“The Dallas Cowboys‘ offense could look a lot different in 2023. They’d save $4.8 million on the cap by releasing running back Ezekiel Elliott ($10.9 million if they designate him as a post-June 1 cut). It would not be surprising to see them make that move, as Elliott has no more guaranteed money left on his contract.”
According to Over The Cap, the Cowboys are in the red by over $16 million.
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