Cowboys RB vs. Saquon vs. Derrick Henry: How Do They Rank as Free Agents?

FRISCO – Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard spent 2023 playing under the franchise tag after failing to reach a contract agreement with the team in the offseason. And now, still with no contract for 2024, he’s set to hit the open market on March 13.

And as we prepare for the upcoming offseason, CBS Sports labels Pollard as the No. 18 NFL free agent on its top 25 list. … placing him at No. 18, which at first blush seems quite lofty.

cowboys rb vs. saquon vs. derrick henry: how do they rank as free agents?

pollard

18. Tony Pollard, RB, Dallas Cowboys

“Many will point to Pollard’s finally being elevated to the No. 1 role as the reason for his relative struggles in 2023, but even a cursory look at his game log and especially a deeper look at the underlying stats like broken tackle rate and explosive play rate reveals how much better he was later in the season than he was early on when he was still working his way back from the broken leg that ended his 2022 campaign. If he can maintain what he did over the latter half of the year, he could be a bargain — especially if the league views him more as a mere change-of-pace back.”

Pollard served as a valuable and efficient No. 2 back behind Ezekiel Elliott for four seasons before getting the No. 1 job upon the departure of Elliott after the 2022 season.

While getting the majority of the carries on a Cowboys team that struggled to run the ball at times, Pollard appeared in all 17 games for Dallas, showing his durability after returning from a broken leg suffered during the Divisional Round playoff game against the 49ers in 2022.

Pollard rushed for 1,005 yards on 252 carries last season for an average of 4.0 yards per carry and scored six touchdowns. He also added 55 catches for 311 yards through the air – an important part of Pollard’s game.

cowboys rb vs. saquon vs. derrick henry: how do they rank as free agents?

Cowboys RB vs. Saquon vs. Derrick Henry: How Do They Rank as Free Agents?

But it is instructive to check out the other running backs on the free agency list. The website lists Pollard as being better than Austin Ekeler and Derrick Henry, which we find debatable. Josh Jacobs and Saquon Barkley, which added all together (while not even bothering to include an assortment of other names) means this position in free agency is going to be a game of Musical Chairs – too many solid players and not enough big money to go around …

And we’d suggest that it might have to be another team that pays Tony Pollard in a way that fits his high ranking.

News Related

OTHER NEWS

Lawsuit seeks $16 million against Maryland county over death of pet dog shot by police

A department investigator accused two of the officers of “conduct unbecoming an officer” for entering the apartment without a warrant, but the third officer was cleared of wrongdoing, the suit says. Read more »

Heidi Klum shares rare photo of all 4 of her and Seal's kids

Heidi Klum posted a rare picture with husband Tom Kaulitz and her four kids: Leni, 19, Henry, 18, Johan, 17, and Lou, 14, having some quality family time. Read more »

European stocks head for flat open as markets struggle to find momentum

This is CNBC’s live blog covering European markets. European markets are heading for a flat open Tuesday, continuing lackluster sentiment seen at the start of the week in the region ... Read more »

Linda C. Black Horoscopes: November 28

Nancy Black Today’s Birthday (11/28/23). This year energizes your work and health. Faithful domestic routines provide central support. Shift directions to balance your work and health, before adapting around team ... Read more »

Michigan Democrats poised to test ambitious environmental goals in the industrial Midwest

FILE – One of more than 4,000 solar panels constructed by DTE Energy lines a 9.37-acre swath of land in Ann Arbor Township, Mich., Sept. 15, 2015. Michigan will join ... Read more »

Gaza Is Falling Into ‘Absolute Chaos,’ Aid Groups Say

A shaky cease-fire between Israel and Hamas has allowed a surge of aid to reach Palestinians in Gaza, but humanitarian groups and civilians in the enclave say the convoys aren’t ... Read more »

Bereaved Israeli and Palestinian families to march together in anti-hate vigil

Demonstrators march against the rise of antisemitism in the UK on Sunday – SUSANNAH IRELAND/REUTERS Bereaved Israeli and Palestinian families will march together as part of an anti-hate vigil on ... Read more »
Top List in the World