Why Cowboys might let RB Tony Pollard walk

Don't be shocked if the Dallas Cowboys let running back Tony Pollard depart this offseason.

ESPN's Aaron Schatz predicted Dallas would move on from the 26-year-old and select an RB, such as Michigan's Blake Corum, in the second or third round of the NFL Draft.

The former Pro Bowler signed the franchise tag (a one-year, $10.09M contract) last offseason and became the feature back after the Cowboys cut Ezekiel Elliott. While he wasn't terrible, Pollard fell short of expectations.

In 17 regular-season games, he averaged a career-low four yards per carry and rushed for six TDs. When he broke out in 2022, he averaged 5.2 yards per carry and nine TDs in 16 games. Also, he only rushed for 56 yards on 15 carries in Dallas' embarrassing wild-card loss to the Green Bay Packers.

Spotrac estimates the Cowboys will be $11.06M over the cap. To create room, they will need to move on from some players. Although Pollard is a solid back, he might be a cap casualty. His market value is a three-year deal worth $6.6M annually, 11th at his position.

Selecting Corum as a replacement would be wise. In 15 games, he led the FBS in rushing TDs (27), helping Michigan win its first national championship in 26 years. Notre Dame's Audric Estimé is another compelling target. He was third in rushing TDs (18 in 12 games).