The Tennessee Titans are expected to sign Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
It’s a three-year, $24 million deal, per Rapoport.
Pollard is coming off of a disappointing 2023 campaign in which he played every game and registered 1,005 yards and six touchdowns on the ground while averaging a pedestrian four yards per carry. He added 55 catches for 311 yards.
It should be noted that Pollard was just recovering from a broken fibula, so it’s entirely possible that he was somewhat limited this past season as a result.
But apparently, the Cowboys weren’t sticking around to find out.
Pollard, who played his collegiate football at Memphis, was selected by Dallas in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
He spent his first couple of seasons as Ezekiel Elliott’s backup before his role finally grew in 2021, when he rushed for 719 yards and a couple of scores while logging a robust 5.5 yards per attempt. In addition, he caught 39 passes for 337 yards.
Then, in 2022, Pollard broke out, racking up 1,007 yards and nine scores as a rusher, posting 5.2 yards per tote. On top of that, he hauled in 39 receptions for 371 yards and three touchdowns. He made a trip to the Pro Bowl for his efforts.
Of course, Pollard was still sharing the backfield with Elliott at the time, so Elliott was certainly softening up opposing defenses to make Pollard’s job easier.
The Cowboys cut ties with Elliott last offseason, making Pollard the clear-cut featured back. Without Elliott’s presence, he struggled with his efficiency.
Derrick Henry had been a fixture in the Titans’ backfield since 2016, but Henry will be walking via free agency this offseason with Tennessee entering rebuilding mode.
The Titans needed a young halfback to step in and replace Henry, so they obviously feel that the 26-year-old Pollard fits the bill.
We’ll see if a change of scenery benefits Tony Pollard in 2024.
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