The NFL Scouting Combine just wrapped up in Indianapolis and the league's focus now shifts onto free agency. The legal tampering period is going to open up on March 11 at 12 p.m. ET and that's when unrestricted free agents can start talking to other teams.
Running back Tony Pollard is going to be one of the players this year who is going to test the waters. Jerry Jones and the Cowboys decided not to place the franchise tag on Pollard again this season after they did so in 2023.
Last season, Pollard secured $10.091 million on the tag but that number increased to $12.1 million for running backs in 2024. With contract extensions on the horizon for Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons, the Cowboys passed on the tag for Pollard.
Pollard will have a bunch of suitors on the open market and we'll discuss three potential destinations in free agency.
1. Tennessee Titans
The Titans could become an interesting option for Pollard. Tennessee is expected to part ways with RB Derrick Henry this offseason and they could be in the market for a new workhorse. Tyjae Spears is going to be back in 2024 but he is better suited as a No. 2 tailback in the backfield.
Pollard grew up in Memphis and went to the University of Memphis from 2016-2018 to play his college ball. The opportunity to head back to the state of Tennessee could be exciting for Pollard.
The Titans have quarterback Will Levis heading into his second year and need to put more playmakers around him. Pollard fits the bill as a ball carrier and pass-catcher coming out of the backfield.
2. Philadelphia Eagles
This one would irk Cowboy fans if this happened but don't be shocked if it does. Philadelphia officially hired Kellen Moore on Feb. 5 to make him their offensive coordinator, replacing Brian Johnson.
They are going to be in the market for a tailback as D'Andre Swift is going to be a free agent as well. With a hole on the roster, Pollard becomes an appealing option.
Moore was the Cowboys offensive coordinator from 2019-2022 and coached Pollard during that timeframe.
ESPN's Tim McManus thinks the 26-year-old could be a fit in the Eagles offense. He said, "Pollard is well-versed in Moore's scheme and would provide a dual-threat skill set (he had more than 3,600 rushing yards and more than 1,300 receiving yards over five seasons in Dallas) that the Eagles tend to gravitate toward."
ESPN’s Tim McManus listed Cowboys RB Tony Pollard as a possible fit for the Eagles' new-look offense.
— JAKIB Sports (@JAKIBSports) February 28, 2024
“Pollard is well-versed in Moore's scheme and would provide a dual-threat skill set (he had more than 3,600 rushing yards and more than 1,300 receiving yards over five seasons… pic.twitter.com/KYKwcSIGKJ
The Eagles will be looking for a running back who can be an effective ball carrier and pass-catcher.
In Moore's offense from 2019-2022, Pollard racked up 510 carries for 2,616 rushing yards, and 17 rushing touchdowns. He also snagged 121 receptions with 1,007 receiving yards, and five receiving scores.
This kind of production in an offense with Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, and Devonta Smith could entice Pollard. It doesn't hurt that Philadelphia has one of the most dominating offensive lines in the game.
Playing in an offense that Pollard is already familiar with is something that he will surely consider.
3. Los Angeles Chargers
This organization has undergone a massive overhaul that is just getting started. They parted ways with Brandon Staley and Tom Telesco before pivoting to Jim Harbaugh and Joe Hortiz as the new duo to run the ship.
They brought in Greg Roman to be the new offensive coordinator and he is known for his willingness to stick with the run game. That is what he wants to bring over to Los Angeles.
“Can you imagine Justin Herbert with a great running game?" - Chargers OC Greg Roman
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) February 23, 2024
Roman’s hope is for a balanced offense that will elevate Justin Herbert — the same hope Chargers recent offensive coordinators have had and failed to do.
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Giving quarterback Justin Herbert a stable ground game will only help out the offense. Going into free agency, the Chargers are going to have a hole at running back. They decided not to place the franchise tag on RB Austin Ekeler and are going to let him touch the open market.
Getting more juice and burst in the run game would improve the Chargers offense. Pollard has the speed and vision to put more pressure on defenders in the open field with soft hands as a receiver.
Pollard would provide a more dynamic ability to the offense compared to Eckler. We know that Harbaugh and Roman are going to build a tough ground game that opens things up for the entire offense.
Pollard has the skillset to be a workhorse for the Bolts. In his five-year career with the Cowboys, the Memphis product racked up 3,621 rushing yards, 1,318 receiving yards, and 30 total touchdowns.
An offense with Herbert and Keenan Allen with Rashawn Slater blocking upfront is something that could appeal to Pollard and the Chargers' management.
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