There likely isn’t a position group in the NFL that has been devalued as quickly as the running back spot, especially with today’s pass-heavy offenses. But that doesn’t mean an old-fashioned, every-down back is completely without value.
For fans of the Dallas Cowboys and those awaiting legal Texas sportsbooks, veteran Pro Bowl RB Tony Pollard represents that type of ballcarrier. The sixth-year back out of Memphis eclipsed1,000 rushing yards for a second straight season in 2023, and the 26-year-old hits NFL free agency for the first time April 1.
Pollard and the Cowboys failed to come to a long-term contract before the NFL’s deadline, so he’ll have a shot at signing with whichever franchise wants him up for 2024 and beyond.
Tony Pollard Career Statistics
Pollard has gained 3,621 yards and 23 scores rushing in his five-year NFL career, all with Dallas, and he has an approximate value of 37 in 79 NFL games according to Pro-Football-Reference.com. So it seems a sure bet to assume NFL teams will line up for the veteran’s services, even in today’s pass-first offenses.
With that in mind, BetTexas.com — your source for the best Texas sports betting promos when they launch in the state — broke down some hypothetical odds on which NFL team will sign Pollard this offseason.
Tony Pollard Next Team Odds
Tony Pollard NFL Team In 2024
Dallas still has the inside track to lock up Pollard long term. The Tennessee native has seen his playing time increase each year he’s been with the franchise, especially after Ezekiel Elliott departed following the 2022 season. Pollard went from 86 carries in 15 games as a rookie to 252 carries in 17 games last year. He started all 17 regular-season games and one playoff game last season; he only had six career starts before last season as he awaited behind Elliott.
We have Dallas as a -175 favorite to sign Pollard in 2024. These odds are exclusive to BetTexas.com and would not be at Texas sports betting apps if they were operating. That’s way ahead of the next closest NFL team (the Baltimore Ravens, at +1200), thanks in large part to the club’s continued trust in Pollard’s ballhandling abilities out of the backfield.
Throw in a career high 55 receptions in 2023 and you have a one-stop playmaker. That is still of utmost value in today’s wide-open NFL, which means Pollard will likely be a top priority for Jerry Jones and company once free agency kicks off in April.
Tony Pollard Market Value
For now, Spoctrac.com gives Pollard a market value of $6.5 million in 2024, which is well below the $10,091,000 he made in 2023. But that’s better than many deals running backs across the NFL are seeing at the moment.
The salary cap site sees Pollard locking down a two-year deal worth $13,058,380, based on similar contracts signed by David Montgomery (three years, $18 million), Saquon Barkley (one year, $10,091,000), Miles Sanders (four years, $25,400,000) and Joe Mixon (two years, $11,500,000).
Should the Cowboys fail to re-sign Pollard, keep an eye on the Ravens (+1200), Houston Texans (+1500), Philadelphia Eagles (+1750), Los Angeles Chargers, Las Vegas Raiders and Washington Commanders (+2500 each) to vie for Pollard’s services during the NFL’s free agency period.
You can’t legally access BetMGM Texas Sportsbook or any other major operator in the Lone Star State. But in neighboring Louisiana, BetMGM gives the Cowboys +1600 odds to win the Super Bowl in February 2025. The two teams in last month’s Super Bowl are atop the board, with the San Francisco 49ers favored at +500 odds followed by the two-time defending champion Kansas City Chiefs at +650.
