Tony Pollard Agrees to Three-Year Deal with Titans After Dallas Cowboys Exit

Free agent running back Tony Pollard has reached an agreement to join the Tennessee Titans following his departure from the Dallas Cowboys, as reported by NFL insider Adam Schefter of ESPN. The deal is set to be a three-year contract worth $24 million.

Despite interest from the New York Giants and the Minnesota Vikings, Pollard opted for the Titans, taking the bigger payday with Tennessee. This decision comes shortly after reports surfaced indicating that Derrick Henry, the Titans’ star running back, was unlikely to return to the team for the upcoming season.

The 26-year-old Pollard had a standout season in 2023, accumulating 1,316 total yards and six rushing touchdowns. His performance included 1,005 rushing yards on 252 carries, averaging 4.0 yards per carry, along with 311 receiving yards on 55 catches.

Pollard assumed the primary running back role for the Cowboys last season after several years playing alongside or behind Ezekiel Elliott. Following his release from Dallas, Pollard was franchise tagged by the Cowboys after a Pro Bowl campaign in which he tallied 1,378 yards and 12 touchdowns.

After a serious injury in the playoffs the previous year, Pollard bounced back impressively in 2023, playing and starting in all 17 regular-season games while recording a career-high 307 touches. Although his yards per carry dipped from 5.2 in 2022 to 4.0 in 2023, Pollard showcased his durability and perseverance throughout the season.

Notably, Pollard faced challenges in the postseason, recording just 161 yards and four touchdowns on 57 carries, translating to an average of 2.8 yards per carry. This performance contrasted with his more efficient postseason display the year before.

Heading into the 2024 season, the Titans will be looking to Pollard to replicate his impressive 2022 form. Despite doubts about his ability to return to his pre-injury level, Pollard’s resilience and work ethic have been evident in his swift recovery and consistent performance on the field.