Tony Pollard is turning over a new leaf and going where the grass is greener. He decided to leave the Dallas Cowboys for the Tennessee Titans.
ESPN's Adam Schefter confirmed the Titans and the 2022 Pro Bowl reached a three-year, $24 million deal.
Pollard leaves the Cowboys, where he spent all five years of his professional career, as their 2019 128th draft pick.
He gradually rose to the top of the squad depth. He started as a backup to Ezekiel Elliott and earned the starting spot by 2023 when the latter signed with the New England Patriots.
Dallas placed the franchise tag on him in 2023 but did not reach a more extended agreement.
Other teams tried to sign Pollard, but he chose the Titans for a bigger payday.
"The Dallas Cowboys were in on RB Tony Pollard. The Giants and Vikings had their eye on him too. He took the bigger payday with Tennessee, per sources," NFL insider Dianna Russini wrote on X.
The Titans signed the 2022 Pro Bowl despite getting a slightly off 2023.
Titans can unlock Pollard's potential
After impressing in previous ones, Pollard is coming off a "down" 2023 season.
He was a backup but eventually earned regular minutes, rushing for 1,007 yards and recording nine touchdowns in 2022. He also added three receiving touchdowns in the same year.
He became the main running back in 2023 after Elliot's departure, but his production fell off, and he posted two fewer yards and three fewer touchdowns.
Despite that, he still managed to become the third-best in the NFL in terms of yards after contact, with 819.
He is the first major signing by new Titans coach Brian Callahan, who wants to imprint his football style on the team.
Signing Pollard is one way he is doing it. Callahan is known for his pass-friendly offense, which will give Pollard more opportunities on the offense.
Pollard needs to get targeted by the quarterback, who can take care of the ball while bursting on the field. He is known for his pass protection and catching passes out of the backfield. He also has great body strength that can counter any tackles.
Pollard's contract terms suggest he will be the focal point of the Titans' passing game.
If he could leave a mark while being a backup in Dallas for four years, there's no reason not to believe he can do it again. He is only 26 years old.
Playing time should not be an issue, either. Veteran Derrick Henry is a free agent, and rumors say he will soon sign with a title contender.
He will be the face of the team's running game alongside Tyjae Spears, who like him was a low draft pick. Spears had a breakout 2023 after recording 453 rushing yards and two touchdowns. He also made 52 catches for 385 yards and one touchdown.
All Pollard needs is a different environment and better offensive preferences. The Titans will give him that.
Related article: Where Will Derrick Henry, Austin Ekeler, and Aaron Jones Go as the First Wave of NFL Free Agency RBs Have Been Signed?
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