In a surprising turn of events, the Dallas Cowboys fought tooth and nail to retain dynamic running back Tony Pollard before he sealed the deal with the Tennessee Titans.
Despite Pollard’s departure for a three-year, $24 million contract with the Titans, the Cowboys didn’t wave the white flag without a battle. Sources reveal that Dallas was actively pursuing the 26-year-old running back until the very end.
Notably, the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings were also vying for Pollard’s services, making it a tight race.
Ultimately, the deciding factor was the financial aspect, with Pollard opting for the larger payday, a departure from previous reports suggesting he was open to a pay cut to remain with the Cowboys.
As Pollard heads to Nashville, the Cowboys face the challenge of filling the void left by the departure of a player who rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of the past two seasons, accumulating an impressive 15 rushing touchdowns.
His versatility was evident as he started all 17 games in the previous season, making 55 receptions, the third-highest on the team.
With Pollard’s exit, the Cowboys shift their focus to other potential running back options. Rumors link owner Jerry Jones and the Cowboys’ front office to discussions involving Derrick Henry and former New York Giants star Saquon Barkley, should their market values become more favorable.
Additionally, the Cowboys have a looming decision regarding running back Rico Dowdle, who, along with Pollard, was one of the last two healthy ball carriers on Dallas’ active roster at the start of free agency.
While the pursuit of Pollard may not have culminated in success, the Cowboys, known for their resilience, are exploring various avenues to fortify their backfield. The story of America’s team continues, with numerous options still on the table.
