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

Cowboyny said:

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.

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Cowboyny said:

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.

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baltcowboy said:

If the Cowboys use Zeke and Pollard similar to the way they used them the first 7 games last season we will have the best running game in the East. I would tweak the carries to more of a 50/50 split with Zeke not getting more then 15-20 carries. I want Pollard getting 20 touches+ a game. We need to have a 52/48 pass run split as well.

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baltcowboy said:

I would sign Pollard and draft Zeke’s replacement in the 3rd/4th round maybe even draft two backs in those rounds. Then release Zeke after the draft.

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Cowboyny said:

It would depend on price with Pollard.

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baltcowboy said:

Would Pollard pass on 10-15 million guaranteed over 3 years? I think that would get it done.

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fivetwos said:

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.

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MountaineerCowboy said:

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.

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MountaineerCowboy said:

It'll be Zeke.

Jerry loves him and it's Dak's BFF.

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MountaineerCowboy said:

He's clearly washed and anybody that watches it can see it.

He was good when he was good, but those days are gone.

Those first 4 years were great, but the last two have been a drag to watch.

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StuckMojo said:

Definitely gotten less yards per game since Moore became OC in 2019. Injury also didn’t help this past year.

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