NFL running back Tony Pollard has received the franchise tag from the Dallas Cowboys. Pollard has spent all of his career thus far with the Cowboys.
The tag is now in. https://t.co/gKHu16bhK7
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 6, 2023
Tony Pollard Franchise Tagged by Dallas Cowboys
Pollard had a breakout season in 2022. He reached the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in his career after career-high rushing attempts. Pollard also racked up career receiving yards with 371 on 55 targets. The explosive back earned more opportunity this season partly because of his explosive play, and partly because of opportunity as Ezekiel Elliott missed time with an injury.
Pollard was a home-run threat with 5.2 yards per carry, breaking several big plays over the course of the season. His best stretch came after Elliott went down with an injury as he garnished his season-high touches. Pollard totaled nine rushing touchdowns and added another three receiving scores with over 1,300 all-purpose yards. 2022 was by far Pollard’s best season of his young career during a contract season.
Pollard has had a quiet start to his career with no more than 719 rush yards in any other season. This lack of production is directly linked to fewer touches as he was the backup while Elliott was one of the NFL’s top backs. Pollard’s 193 rushes in 2022 are a career-high with the next-highest total at 130 in 2021.
Pollard has increased his carries each season since being drafted in 2019. He carried 86, 101, and 130 times leading up to this season. There is a similar trend with receptions as Pollard racked up 15, 28, and 39 receptions in his first three seasons.
The Dallas Cowboys drafted Pollard in the fourth round at 128 overall from Memphis University. Pollard played three seasons at Memphis with 1,153 yards on 106 rushing attempts. He never totaled over 552 yards in a season due to his lack of opportunity, sharing the backfield with Darrell Henderson. However, Pollard was regarded as one of the best kickoff return players in the NCAA. Pollard tied the FBS record with seven career kickoff returns for touchdowns. He was an electric player at Memphis and is now showcasing that ability in the NFL.
Main Photo: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
