The Dallas Cowboys have lost RB Tony Pollard, who inked a three-year, $24 million deal with the Tennessee Titans on Monday. With backup RB Rico Dowdle also likely to hit free agency, here are some options Dallas should look at to replace Pollard.
Dallas Cowboys Lose Tony Pollard to Tennessee Titans: Who’s up Next?
Derrick Henry
Well, Cowboys fans… it’s that time of the year again. The time when all fans clamor and yell for the top-of-the-line, most expensive free agent. While Jerry Jones and the Cowboys have yet to pull the trigger on Tony Pollard’s replacement, Henry could be the perfect shoo-in.
A swap of Pollard and Henry would leave both sides not hating each other and give both backs a fresh start with a new team.
Henry averaged 4.2 yards per carry, totaling 1,167 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2023. Far from his most impressive performance, but those saying he’s washed up or done clearly weren’t paying attention. The king’s not dead.
If the Dallas Cowboys want to make it out of free agency alive, they must replace Tony Pollard with a bigger and better back. This is the signing that makes the most sense and would provide some basis for Jerry Jones’ “All in” claims.
A.J. Dillon
Oh wait, you thought it would be Aaron Jones? I’m sorry, but you might want to think again. Jones was never outplayed by Dillon, but he was out-reliable’d by him. Several times. The Cowboys need someone stout and dependable to take over Tony Pollard’s role. Dillon would step in as RB1 instantly and elevate Deuce Vaughn’s play.
This is a free-agency singing that would put Dallas right back to where they were a few years ago: A forceful, fire-forged RB1 who can be used anywhere and a shifty, explosive RB2 who can stretch the field. See what I’m getting at?
Dillion averaged 3.4 yards per carry, totaling 613 yards and two touchdowns in 2023. By far his least impressive year on a team where the run game is being forgotten.
No, it’s not nearly as impressive nor does it come within lightyears of Derrick Henry’s resume. But he’s young, the Cowboys can get him for cheap and he’d instantly become RB1 in Dallas. A.J. Dillon should be on Dallas’ radar right now.
High Pick: Braelon Allen, RB, Wisconsin
For argument’s sake, let’s pretend the Cowboys have a very high priority on replacing Tony Pollard.
If Dallas essentially wants another better and younger version of him, they should draft RB Braelon Allen from Wisconsin. He measures at 6’1, 235 Lbs, and a 4.40 40-yard dash. He’s faster, taller, and heavier than Ezekiel Elliot.
I’m not sure if it’s something they’re putting in the cheese up there, but take a look at some recent Wisconsin RB’s drafted in the last 10 years:
- Melvin Gordon
- Corey Clement
- Dare Ogunbowale
- Jonathan Taylor
Notice a trend? Every single one of these guys still has a job in the NFL while simultaneously playing the most disposable position in a crumbling market. If the cards fall the way they have in the past, Allen would be a no-brainer in rounds one or two.
Allen is a natural playmaker. He aggressively finishes runs and has the natural balance to withstand contact. He might be Dallas’ first-round selection, and don’t go complaining if he is.
Lower pick: MarShawn Lloyd, RB, USC
It’s always right in the middle patch of the NFL draft that the real studs lie. Diamonds in the rough that Jerry Jones has spotted before. The Cowboys’ best shot at replacing Tony Pollard lies around the third or fourth round of the NFL draft. It’s where they found Pollard originally. USC Running back Marshawn Lloyd could step in and quickly fill Pollard’s shoes.
Lloyd is 5’9, 217 pounds and he ran a 4.46 40-yard dash. He shows aggression and commitment in his pass protection, demonstrating excellent blocking form when chipping the free blitzer. The Cowboys have lost C Tyler Biadsz to the Commanders, so one more player to stuff inside pressure and keep QB Dak Prescott safe is necessary.
Lloyd has eight fumbles on 360 career carries, his only real blemish that needs to be cleaned up. If the Cowboys want a mid to late-round replacement for Tony Pollard, Lloyd might be the answer.
Main Photo: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
