Report: Cowboys running back Tony Pollard expected to sign with Tennessee Titans in free agency

Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard is reportedly signing a deal to head to the Tennessee Titans ahead of the free agency window on Wednesday, according to NFL reporter Aaron Wilson. He served as the team’s starting running back for the second straight season after the departure of Ezekiel Elliott but Dallas made it clear they’d be willing to let him walk after tagging him for 2023.

In 2023, the former Memphis standout was coming off of a high-ankle sprain, which required surgery, and a fibula fracture. He reached 1,000 rushing yards for the second consecutive season but only topped 100 yards in a single game once during the regular season. He also had just six touchdowns, down from 12 last season. As a team, the Cowboys ranked 14th in the NFL in total rushing yards, led by Pollard and Rico Dowdle.

The young running back has played all five of his seasons with Dallas so far. He’s made $14 million in career earnings, including $10 million from the franchise tag deal this season. He was one of the only running backs in the league to choose to sign their franchise tag last year.

The Cowboys drafted Pollard with the 26th pick in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year deal for $3.18 million.

The 2022 season was his first as the team’s leading rusher, topping Ezekiel Elliott for the first time since he joined the team in 2016. He posted 1,007 rushing yards on 193 carries in 16 games played. He also caught 39 passes for 371 yards. Pollard also totaled 12 scores, nine on the ground and three out of the air.

More on the 2024 NFL offseason, free agency

The NFL 2024 calendar year begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 13. At that time, contracts running through 2023 officially run out, making those players free agents. Prior to the beginning of free agency, teams will have a chance to designate one franchise or transition tag player, starting on Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. ET and ending on March 5. Beginning March 11 through March 13 teams can enter into a legal negotiation with players who are will become unrestricted free agents.

In addition to NFL free agency, the new year also marks the beginning of all trades being made official by the league office. April 19 marks the deadline to sign restricted free agents to offer sheets. On April 24, the deadline for teams to match restricted free agent offers sheets hits. Following the restricted free agent deadline follows the 2024 NFL Draft, which runs from April 25-27.