ESPN made some offseason predictions this week for each team that's been eliminated from the playoffs and they think the Dallas Cowboys will let a former Pro-Bowler leave in free agency.
Aaron Schatz's "big prediction" for Dallas this offseason is that they let running back Tony Pollard, a Pro-Bowler in 2022, depart via free agency.
Schatz thinks Dallas will then try to replace Pollard by trading up in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft to land a running back.
From ESPN: The Cowboys will allow running back Tony Pollard to leave in free agency and then trade up to the top of the third round to take a new starting running back, perhaps TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State) or Blake Corum (Michigan). There aren't really any running backs projected to go in this year's first two rounds, but the Cowboys will want to move up to make sure they get the guy they want.
Pollard is coming off his second straight season in which he topped 1,000 rushing yards and 300 receiving yards.
Earlier this month, AtoZ Sports' Josh Queipo and Kyle Deiminicantanio projected that Pollard will receive a three-year deal worth $22.5 million with $13 million in guarantees.
A third round draft pick would cost the Cowboys around $5.5 million over four years -- essentially saving the franchise around $6 million a year.
If the Cowboys think they can replace Pollard's production with a third round pick, which is always a gamble, then this is a prediction that could come to fruition.
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