CFZ Zeke/Pollard or prospect the RB starter in 2023?

[Cowboyny]

- I say let’s see what happens .. see if Zeke responds,. How he will respond. .. what if he actually has a superlative year and surprisingly recaptures that patent 2016 frame and burst ?
Or what if the Cowboys and Zeke agree upon a pay cut… or even another restructure of his contract base off that superlative year ?

- i really don't expect him to lead the NFL in rushing anymore, as we are transitioned into pass first, run 2nd. And it's gonna be Dak-first and far most, ..than laid it on the back of ZKE.
Imagine it more like the design and workload such as what ex-Saints RB Mark Ingram Jr. was added to Payton/Brees area.

- Unless Pollard gets seriously hurt, i really am preparing to lose Pollard to FA, and the McClay draftnik will tinker with bringing in a similar player in the mid rounds.

- If I’m in the Pollard camp, I’d test the FA market and I can see some team making a considerable bid offer for him,… I wouldn’t even be surprised if it’s the Eagles.
Some team is gonna overvalue him as a full time starter – but depending upon the team, and how he is used and designed …. he could be a major attribute.

I think the expectation should be Pollard plays elsewhere in 2023 and there is an outside chance Zeke remains on the roster if he agrees to a pay cut, if not he will be released. It's the easiest position to come in and make an impact right away. However, cannot see them starting completely from scratch. They could of done that at TE and decided to keep Shultz.

 

[G2]

We're essentially forced to run with Elliott and Pollard, might as well see how the season plays out. Hopefully they can stay healthy. Hopefully the O line sorts it's own issues out. Hopefully Moore isn't a complete idiot calling run plays.

Basically a ton of hope.

 

[Cowboyny]

How many RB in recent history were top of the line one year, then basically out of the league soon after?

Guys like Shawn Alexander, Larry Johnson, Chris Johnson just off the top of my head. There's plenty of other examples.

Elliott isn't making some miraculous comeback to his 2016 form.

I agree, he won't be back to 2016 form, but he isn't done either. If used right, can still be a productive back here or for another team.

 

[atlantacowboy]

The majority of us are aware that the front office could not release Zeke this offseason due to his high dead money, but that isn't the case after this season. I believe his charge would be 11 million compared to 30 million if cut prior to this season. If he's a June 1st release, it would only be half that number. Coming off of an injury plagued season and an OL that really struggled, this is a huge season for his future not only with the Cowboys but could be showcasing himself for another team.

Tony Pollard will be playing on his final year of his contract. We all would agree, Kellen Moore has under utilized him within the starting offense. He probably wants to go somewhere else to be the main runner for his team. Since his numbers are low due to lack of touches, as well as the low demand at the position in fa, could the Cowboys resign him to a reasonable contract extension? Would it be risky resigning another RB to an extension?

In the early going, I have heard that the RB Class in next year's draft is very good. Perhaps a day 2 pick at a low, controlled amount would be the best choice to fill the need.

Good post. I think we absolutely should draft a running back next year. I see us losing Pollard and a smart team would release Zeke. But, this is Jerry Jones so we could do the dumb thing and re-structure Zeke's contract after the season. Its 50/50 at this point.

 

[Cowboyny]

Good post. I think we absolutely should draft a running back next year. I see us losing Pollard and a smart team would release Zeke. But, this is Jerry Jones so we could do the dumb thing and re-structure Zeke's contract after the season. Its 50/50 at this point.

I know they really like the Michigan RB this yr, but he went a round early. Almost a guarantee they will be drafting a runner next year. Question is, do they keep either Zeke or Pollard after this season? I don't think they want to start from scratch at the position.

 

[blueblood70]

How many RB in recent history were top of the line one year, then basically out of the league soon after?

Guys like Shawn Alexander, Larry Johnson, Chris Johnson just off the top of my head. There's plenty of other examples.

Elliott isn't making some miraculous comeback to his 2016 form.

NO but the first 8 games last year looked a lot like 2018 zeke..not saying he will ever be old Zeke but before those injuries he was far better then pollard and all these 2021 pollard vs zeke comps say pollards better aren't taking into account Zeek played 7+ games with bad back and blown PCL.sure pollards better then banged up zeke LOL zekes still better when healthy but that said

next year im sure zeke is cut.. and no i doubt they take 1st round rb, i believe they see the cage in our offense and maybe 2nd-4th round RB or 2 coming. I believe Tyrone smith career is about to change as well might be cut im betting a 1st round Tackle is coming..

Pollard might overvalue is worth and also be gone..big changes coming for sure.

 

[fivetwos]

Dallas Cowboys career rushing leaders:

1. Emmitt Smith, 17162
2. Tony Dorsett, 12036
3. Ezekiel Elliott, 7386
4. Don Perkins, 6217
5. Calvin Hill, 5009
6. Robert Newhouse, 4784
7. DeMarco Murray, 4526
8. Marion Barber III, 4358
9. Walt Garrison, 3886
10. Herschel Walker, 3491

Dallas Cowboys career rushing touchdown leaders:

1. Emmitt Smith, 153
2. Tony Dorsett, 72
3. Ezekiel Elliott, 56
4. Marion Barber III, 47
5. Don Perkins, 42

Not bad for player that fans seem to want out and hate on since 2019 deal was struck. 1960 to present, many of those decades were run heavy eras.

He was the best player on the team for several years no doubt, but it's time to move on for a few reasons. It's just one of those topics that's beaten to death.

 

[MountaineerCowboy]

He was the best player on the team for several years no doubt, but it's time to move on for a few reasons. It's just one of those topics that's beaten to death.

Only when Zeke is no longer a Cowboy will some fans be able to come to terms with the player he now is.

Some fans do no posses the ability to know when a guy is washed, not producing, not worth it, and flat out done until they no longer have the star on their helmet.

 

[fivetwos]

NO but the first 8 games last year looked a lot like 2018 zeke..not saying he will ever be old Zeke but before those injuries he was far better then pollard and all these 2021 pollard vs zeke comps say pollards better aren't taking into account Zeek played 7+ games with bad back and blown PCL.sure pollards better then banged up zeke LOL zekes still better when healthy but that said

next year im sure zeke is cut.. and no i doubt they take 1st round rb, i believe they see the cage in our offense and maybe 2nd-4th round RB or 2 coming. I believe Tyrone smith career is about to change as well might be cut im betting a 1st round Tackle is coming..

Pollard might overvalue is worth and also be gone..big changes coming for sure.

The last TWO years he has come out of the gate very strong but by week six he is banged up.

It's not like he doesn't want to succeed, but the guy takes a pounding on almost every play, be it him as the ball carrier or even worse colliding with a blitzing LB who would have knocked Dak silly if Elliott wasn't in the way. It's just tough at his age and mileage to ask him to be running with fresh legs in December.

Just gotta keep churning that position in today's NFL.

They will probably end up keeping Pollard after not getting an RB in the draft this past year. They won't leave two open spots going into next draft and I dont think Dowdle is the future starter. That's next yesrs problem though.

 

[MountaineerCowboy]

Zeke's yards per game:

2016 - 109
2017 - 98
2018 - 96
2019 - 85
2020 - 65
2021 - 59

I fully expect him to get another contract because Jerry is Jerry, but it's time for a reduced role.

 

[fivetwos]

I agree, he won't be back to 2016 form, but he isn't done either. If used right, can still be a productive back here or for another team.

I agree, but I think he needs to see less snaps overall for him to still have his legs under him come Dec/Jan.

Hey....I'd LOVE to see a power run game that features Elliott, but that ain't gonna happen for a few reasons.

 

[quickccc]

I think the expectation should be Pollard plays elsewhere in 2023 and there is an outside chance Zeke remains on the roster if he agrees to a pay cut, if not he will be released. It's the easiest position to come in and make an impact right away. However, cannot see them starting completely from scratch. They could of done that at TE and decided to keep Shultz.

Zeke is important to Dak's safety and security, he may not no longer be a splash big playmaker he used to be, but when it comes to protecting the QB, he still ranks
right there with the best.
When the time comes when the Cowboys part ways with zeke per cap casualty

Schultz is not a spectacular TE with individual stand out, wow athleticism and physical traits, but his reliability in his hands, knack for the pass game, and rapport with Dak is
invaluable as an underneath chain mover , as far as the Cowboys are concerned. Thus his franchise tag.

 

[fivetwos]

Zeke's yards per game:

2016 - 109
2017 - 98
2018 - 96
2019 - 85
2020 - 65
2021 - 59

I fully expect him to get another contract because Jerry is Jerry, but it's time for a reduced role.

I know what you mean, and I made a similar tongue in cheek comment above, but I think the kid has heavy influence and he is all about value, which Elliott is definitely not, even at a serious pay cut.

He isnt quite as sentimental as the old man, and doesn't seem to have the need to be liked by the players.

If they didn't move on from guys like Jaylon, Collins, Cooper recently, I'd tend to agree. Maybe it's just me wishful thinking, but I think they will move on from him regardless of his performance this year.

 

[MountaineerCowboy]

I know what you mean, and I made a similar tongue in cheek comment above, but I think the kid has heavy influence and he is all about value, which Elliott is definitely not, even at a serious pay cut.

He isnt quite as sentimental as the old man, and doesn't seem to have the need to be liked by the players.

If they didn't move on from guys like Jaylon, Collins, Cooper recently, I'd tend to agree. Maybe it's just me wishful thinking, but I think they will move on from him regardless of his performance this year.

I think the Dak/Zeke relationship will play a huge factor also.

Zeke and Dak are BFFs. I believe that will go a long way for Zeke sticking around because they will want to keep Dak comfortable as possible.

 

[Cowboyny]

Zeke is important to Dak's safety and security, he may not no longer be a splash big playmaker he used to be, but when it comes to protecting the QB, he still ranks
right there with the best.
When the time comes when the Cowboys part ways with zeke per cap casualty

Schultz is not a spectacular TE with individual stand out, wow athleticism and physical traits, but his reliability in his hands, knack for the pass game, and rapport with Dak is
invaluable as an underneath chain mover , as far as the Cowboys are concerned. Thus his franchise tag.

I think they like Shultz dependability, very durable and you know what you will get with him on the field.

 

[jazzcat22]

Franchise tag Pollard, or give him like $15 million a year, and let's see how quick the Pollard slobberers turn on him.

I am not going to concern myself over it. That is a long way away yet. I will see how the season unfolds, then decide from there.
For now, as it had been posted, most likely he renegotiates his contract.

 

[Cowboyny]

I agree, but I think he needs to see less snaps overall for him to still have his legs under him come Dec/Jan.

Hey....I'd LOVE to see a power run game that features Elliott, but that ain't gonna happen for a few reasons.

They have to limit his usage or he will struggle later in the season. MM has stated this before, but we have yet to see it.

 

[fivetwos]

I think the Dak/Zeke relationship will play a huge factor also.

Zeke and Dak are BFFs. I believe that will go a long way for Zeke sticking around because they will want to keep Dak comfortable as possible.

Could end up that way yeah.

 

[fivetwos]

They have to limit his usage or he will struggle later in the season. MM has stated this before, but we have yet to see it.

Right but it's not just touches.

He probably takes more abuse in pass protection.

An RB3 to split time with him, with Pollard remaining the change of pace type would be ideal, but it didn't happen. Malik Davis isn't that guy, and I doubt the Harvard guy is either.

They are high enough on Dowdle to where he has stuck around this long, so maybe he gets some work.

 

[john van brocklin]

The majority of us are aware that the front office could not release Zeke this offseason due to his high dead money, but that isn't the case after this season. I believe his charge would be 11 million compared to 30 million if cut prior to this season. If he's a June 1st release, it would only be half that number. Coming off of an injury plagued season and an OL that really struggled, this is a huge season for his future not only with the Cowboys but could be showcasing himself for another team.

Tony Pollard will be playing on his final year of his contract. We all would agree, Kellen Moore has under utilized him within the starting offense. He probably wants to go somewhere else to be the main runner for his team. Since his numbers are low due to lack of touches, as well as the low demand at the position in fa, could the Cowboys resign him to a reasonable contract extension? Would it be risky resigning another RB to an extension?

In the early going, I have heard that the RB Class in next year's draft is very good. Perhaps a day 2 pick at a low, controlled amount would be the best choice to fill the need.

Great read of the room.
Its really one of the bigger story lines to watch this upcoming season.