This would be cheaper than Elliott’s current deal, allowing the Cowboys to add a veteran back as Barnwell mentioned. Pollard’s franchise tag would be worth $10.09 million according to OverTheCap. The best scenario doesn’t seem unlikely but Dallas has to follow through. That last line presents the most concern.

The easiest solution for the team would be to move on from Elliott, franchise Pollard and add a veteran back who can play early in the season while Pollard gets up to speed, but the Cowboys don’t do easy well. Now, with the ankle complicating Pollard’s availability, the 25-year-old might be in position to land only a one-year deal for $6 million or so in free agency, which could cause the Cowboys to let him hit the open market and see if he lands a more significant offer.

And in hindsight, the Cowboys might have planned to use the $10.1 million franchise tag to keep him for 2023. Pollard’s situation is suddenly much trickier after his injury, which also required surgery to repair ligaments from a high ankle sprain… I projected Pollard to land a deal in the ballpark of three years and $36 million if he got to free agency.

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