The Dallas Cowboys are a storied NFL franchise with a rich history, and in recent years, their roster decisions regarding running backs have drawn significant attention. One of the most pressing issues the team faces moving forward is the future of their running backs, especially in the context of the 2025 offseason. The question arises whether the Cowboys will allow their best running back to leave in consecutive seasons, as they have made key decisions regarding top-tier talent in recent years that could set a precedent.
To explore this question, we need to analyze the Cowboys’ approach to the running back position, their financial situation, the market value of running backs, and how recent moves — and potentially upcoming ones — may influence their decision.
Cowboys’ Running Back History
For decades, the Cowboys have been synonymous with elite running backs. Names like Emmitt Smith, Tony Dorsett, and more recently, Ezekiel Elliott, have been etched in the team’s history books. Elliott, drafted fourth overall in 2016, was seen as the franchise’s cornerstone running back for much of his tenure. He put up incredible numbers during the early years of his career, including leading the NFL in rushing yards multiple times. However, by 2023, the Cowboys were faced with a difficult decision on whether to retain Elliott, restructure his contract, or move on from him entirely.
The Ezekiel Elliott Situation
In 2023, the Cowboys made the decision to part ways with Ezekiel Elliott after six seasons with the team. Elliott, whose performance had been declining due to injuries and a less effective offensive line, was released to create cap space. Although Elliott remained a fan favorite, his $90 million contract, which was originally signed in 2019, was no longer a reflection of the player he had become. The Cowboys instead decided to invest in a more cost-effective and efficient backfield.
This marked the first time in recent memory that the Cowboys had let go of a star running back at the peak of his career. By releasing Elliott, they acknowledged the evolution of the running back market, where long-term, big-money contracts for running backs have become increasingly difficult to justify. The Cowboys instead chose to rely on a younger, less expensive option in the backfield.
The Rise of Tony Pollard
In the wake of Elliott’s departure, the Cowboys turned to Tony Pollard, who had been a backup to Elliott but had shown flashes of brilliance during his limited touches. Pollard, a fourth-round pick in 2019, had proven to be a more explosive and versatile weapon in the Cowboys’ offense, especially in the receiving game. In 2022, Pollard amassed over 1,000 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns despite being in a timeshare with Elliott. The Cowboys knew that Pollard’s potential could be fully realized with a larger workload, and they took that gamble heading into 2023.
Pollard’s 2023 season was one of growth. Despite suffering a fractured fibula during the postseason, he posted impressive regular-season numbers, finishing with over 1,300 yards and 9 touchdowns. Pollard was also highly effective in the passing game, making him a dual-threat weapon that defensive coordinators struggled to game-plan against. He was arguably the best offensive player on the team and quickly became a fan favorite.
Despite this, Pollard’s situation is complicated. While Pollard has shown elite potential, the Cowboys have still faced a challenge with managing his workload and compensating him fairly. In 2024, Pollard was given the franchise tag by the Cowboys, which is typically a move to buy time while negotiating a long-term deal. However, the tag also suggests that the team may not be fully committed to making him the highest-paid running back in the league. This raises the question of what the Cowboys will do with Pollard moving forward, especially if they see him as another player who could leave in free agency.
The Market for Running Backs
The NFL has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade, particularly in the valuation of running backs. The traditional running back role, once considered the centerpiece of most NFL offenses, has seen its importance diminish in favor of a more pass-heavy attack. Teams now prioritize finding cheaper, younger, and more versatile running backs who can contribute in both the running and receiving games, and many have begun moving away from giving running backs long-term contracts due to concerns over the wear-and-tear that comes with the position.
This shift has been evident in several key contracts. Players like Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants, Josh Jacobs of the Las Vegas Raiders, and even Pollard in Dallas have faced uncertainty around their contract situations, with some players opting for the franchise tag and others struggling to secure long-term deals. Running backs’ ability to secure lucrative contracts has decreased in recent years, as the market has become saturated with talented players on rookie contracts or on more team-friendly deals.
For the Cowboys, this trend complicates the decision on Pollard’s future. While Pollard has proven himself as one of the best running backs in the league, it’s uncertain whether the Cowboys will commit to paying him top-tier money, especially given the financial constraints and the team’s broader salary cap structure. Running backs like Pollard are also at risk of a sharp decline in production due to the physical demands of the position, something the Cowboys will undoubtedly consider when making a long-term decision.
The Future of Pollard and the Cowboys’ Roster Strategy
As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, the key question is whether the Cowboys will once again let their best running back leave in consecutive seasons. Let’s break down the factors that will shape their decision.
- Financial Constraints and Salary Cap: The Cowboys have a number of high-priced players, including quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. As a result, the team’s salary cap is often stretched thin. In the current NFL landscape, teams are wary of investing too much in a running back when other positions, such as quarterback or pass rusher, may offer better returns on investment. Pollard will likely demand a large salary, and with the Cowboys having a sizable financial commitment to other positions, they may find it difficult to justify such an investment.
- The Rise of Other Players: Pollard’s performance has been stellar, but running backs are often seen as replaceable commodities in today’s NFL. The Cowboys have a history of developing talented players at the position, and with new running backs entering the fold, they may look to continue this trend rather than tying up significant cap space in Pollard.
- The Changing Value of the Position: Running backs are no longer seen as the centerpiece of an offense. Teams like the Cowboys, who have a strong offensive line and a potent passing game, may prefer to go with a committee approach to running back by sharing the workload among several players. The franchise tag or a shorter-term deal for Pollard may be the most pragmatic option if the Cowboys choose to retain him.
- Pollard’s Health and Longevity: The running back position is notorious for its short shelf life. Pollard’s injury history, including the fractured fibula he sustained in the 2023 playoffs, raises questions about his ability to remain at a high level of performance for many years to come. The Cowboys will have to weigh the risk of a long-term deal against the potential for a drop in production due to injuries.
