Cowboys franchise Pollard next season?

[plasticman]

I'm not a cap expert but wouldn't there be a lot of dead money if they cut Zeke after the season? In addition, doesn't a franchised player get the average of the top three salaries in the league at his position?

Many here thought it was a mistake to give Zeke a big contract. However, the Cowboys are going to do it again with Pollard?

I doubt Pollard will accept a contract below market rate for his level of play. Somebody out there will be willing to pay big for Pollard. And hasn't been explained that RB's decline in production rapidly?

I would love to keep him a reasonable price but it seems the more he shines, the more "unreasonable" his contract will become.

 

[mattjames2010]

Because the Cowboys viewed Murray as just a serviceable work horse back, and a one year wonder ... nuthing superficial about him.

Why didn't Murray have even close to the 1800 workhorse season he had his last season in Dallas ..elsewhere in the NFL ? (Philly, Tenn)

Murray didn't have 1,800 yards because that is an outlier even for most legendary RBs. But he did have a season that was around his average or where he was averaging before injuries with the Titans in 2016.

Murray's issues in his career were injuries not talent.

 

[ChronicCowboy]

Pollard is getting franchised and Zeke will be asked to take a pay cut. If he refuses, he’ll be cut after next season.

 

[Bobhaze]

Whatever happens with Pollard and a future contract, I hope this front office has learned some things:

• Don’t draft a RB in round one. There are many really good backs on day 2 and 3 of the draft. As Pollard exemplifies.
• Having two or maybe three good RBs in a “committee” is better than putting all salary in one “star” RB (like we did with Zeke) I would rather have 2-3 really good backs on “rookie deals” than a high salaried back on a huge deal.
• The only way Zeke should be here next year is on a greatly reduced salary. (I would actually cut him)
• Most important point: Having an excellent offensive line is more important than having a great back.

 

[Kingofholland]

Man he's always been a productive part time player, but has really had a coming out party in Zeke's absence. Kamara was a part time player as well, if he keeps doing what he's doing he's working towards a 10 million+ contract. Can Zeke donate some to the cause?

 

[CowboyRoy]

If he keeps playing the way he is right now, there will be a team that exceeds what we offer (unless we plan on giving out another Zeke contract)

If that is the case, you let him walk. Good player but he's just an RB, you can replace him.

He’s good, but he’s just a RB. You nailed it. But more importantly, he’s on his 2nd contract. AND he can’t carry a full load.

I’d give him 5 million but we all know someone will give him more. So he’s gone. And good for him.

 

[buybuydandavis]

Use Shultz's money to sign Pollard. Much more valuable to the offense because he threatens the defense in multiple ways.

And they *finally* found another obvious way for Pollard to hurt a defense - they sent Pollard deep. Such a no brainer. Way too fast for most LBs to keep up with. Get Pollard in motion, see if a LB is in man coverage on him, and if so, he goes deep.
Only took them three and a half years to figure that one out.

 

[buybuydandavis]

Can’t see the team paying Pollard 12 million for one season.

Think of how much more Pollard brings to the table than Zeke, Gallup, and Schulz, all 7 figure offensive skill players this year.

 

[buybuydandavis]

It was 9.5 this year, can’t see it jumping 3.5 in just one season!

I'll take Pollard at 12 over Zeke, Schulz, and Gallup for what each cost this year.

 

[jay94]

Can't let him go yet with this kind of play.

This would be the best solution unless he's willing to take a 8 mil a year contract, which for him he shouldn't be and a year is a long time in terms of running backs. We draft a rb in round 2-4 for the replacement and let the dead weight Elliot go.

 

[KJJ]

Think of how much more Pollard brings to the table than Zeke, Gallup, and Schulz, all 7 figure offensive skill players this year.

However, he’s an RB and they’re a dime a dozen. You don’t franchise a player unless you have serious intentions on wanting to re-sign them and the Cowboys aren’t about to pay another back a huge amount of money. Especially not a role player.

 

[jay94]

However, he’s an RB and they’re a dime a dozen.

When your getting over 5ypc your in a different territory, there are pennies for the value of Zeke.

 

[KJJ]

When your getting over 5ypc your in a different territory, there are pennies for the value of Zeke.

He’s a role player that’s being kept fresh, which has helped him. The Cowboys aren’t going to pay a ton of money to an RB that’s not an every down back.

 

[buybuydandavis]

However, he’s an RB and they’re a dime a dozen. You don’t franchise a player unless you have serious intentions on wanting to re-sign them and the Cowboys aren’t about to pay another back a huge amount of money. Especially not a role player.

Just paid 3 lesser players 7 figures. They can afford to pay Pollard that for one year as they draft and train up replacements.

 

[KJJ]

Just paid 3 lesser players 7 figures. They can afford to pay Pollard that for one year as they draft and train up replacements.

Like I mentioned those players don’t play RB and they’re every down offensive players for the most part. Again, Pollard is a role player.

 

[buybuydandavis]

Like I mentioned those players don’t play RB and they’re every down offensive players for the most part. Again, Pollard is a role player.

Pollard's role is "Best Offensive Skills Player". He played 9 more snaps than "Every Down Schulz" against GB.

 

[jaythecowboy]

I would rather get the deal done now if at all. Pollard's value should be somewhat lessened due to the Cowboys not featuring him heavily till this season. If you give him another season his value could go up even more. Hopefully Zeke will agree to a paycut to keep both around.

 

[KJJ]

Pollard's role is "Best Offensive Skills Player". He played 9 more snaps than "Every Down Schulz" against GB.

Don’t get me wrong I want him to come back.

 

[offlimits]

I would tag him and release Zeke. Replenish the stable with a couple mid round draft pics next draft. Malik Davis looks to be more than serviceable as well. After a year of Pollard taking the lead role then decide what to do with him.

A well thought out comment and I completely agree.

 

[Flamma]

I'm not a cap expert but wouldn't there be a lot of dead money if they cut Zeke after the season? In addition, doesn't a franchised player get the average of the top three salaries in the league at his position?

Many here thought it was a mistake to give Zeke a big contract. However, the Cowboys are going to do it again with Pollard?

I doubt Pollard will accept a contract below market rate for his level of play. Somebody out there will be willing to pay big for Pollard. And hasn't been explained that RB's decline in production rapidly?

I would love to keep him a reasonable price but it seems the more he shines, the more "unreasonable" his contract will become.

I think Zeke is a 16M cap hit next year. If they release him, he's an 11M dead cap hit. Releasing him saves only 5M. Probably not even worth it.

Pollard's market value is about 5-6 million at the moment. Giving him for example, 3 years 24M is not a big contract. As the cap rises his cap hits would be insignificant compared to what Dallas Gave Zeke back in 2019.