The Dallas Cowboys’ backfield is going to look a lot different in 2024 than it has the past few seasons. Running back Tony Pollard, who had been with the team since being selected in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, departed in free agency.
Pollard signed a three-year deal with the Tennessee Titans as part of their plan to replace Derrick Henry in their backfield. After having the franchise tag placed on him last year, Pollard was free to hit the open market this offseason and found a long-term deal he liked.
His departure leaves a huge void in the Cowboys’ backfield. While his efficiency wasn’t as good in 2023 as the lead back, he still managed to break the 1,000-yard mark and was an integral part of Dallas’ offense.
NFL News & Rumors: Zack Moss, 2024 NFL Free Agency, Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys Updates
Without him, the Cowboys have their work cut out for them in the backfield. They will need to find some reinforcements for the backfield, as what they currently have on their depth chart won’t cut it.
However, finding a replacement will be easier said than done. Based on a report from Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News, via MLFootball on X, the Cowboys don’t have much money or are not willing to spend much, on a running back.
According to Gehlken, the Cowboys had an interest in signing free-agent running back Zack Moss. But, the $4 million average salary that he received in a deal from the Cincinnati Bengals was considered “too much for the team’s liking’, per Gehlken.
If the Cowboys felt that $4 million was too much for Moss, who was solid for the Indianapolis Colts last season, it is hard to envision them being in the running for any of the veteran running backs who are still available in free agency.
NFL News & Rumors: Zack Moss, 2024 NFL Free Agency, Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys Updates
The running back market bounced back this offseason after a rough 2023 as teams have been spending on players they like. Pollard, Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs all signed multi-year deals way above the $4 million price tag of Moss. Even Devin Singletary received a multi-year deal worth up more than $6 million per season.
Given their hesitancy to spend in free agency, the Cowboys could look for Pollard’s replacement in the NFL Draft. Expect them to use at least one mid-round draft pick on a running back unless an established veteran is willing to accept a steep pay cut to join the team.
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