While Dak Prescott receives MVP-level hype for quarterbacking a potent Dallas Cowboys offense, he isn’t the only cog in a robust machine. His proficiency with the passing game goes hand-in-hand with the incredible rise of their running back - Tony Pollard. While the loss of a bonafide stud like Ezekiel Elliott should have served as a hindrance, Pollard has lived up to and exceeded most expectations despite the hefty price tag that he comes with.
His collegiate career put him on a career trajectory resembling the one he’s mimicking at the NFL level. After redshirting his freshman year, Pollard would burst into the collegiate scene as one of the better kickoff return specialists. As a result, he was named back-to-back AAC Special Teams Player of the Year in 2016 and 2017. But, what became a startling visual was his improvement as a rushing and receiving threat. While he began his first college year in the league with less than 500 total scrimmage yards, his final year saw that total exceed the 1,000-yard mark.
Making his way to the NFL, the Dallas Cowboys took a shot with Pollard in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. For the first 2 years of that arrangement, Pollard didn’t cause many heads to turn as the backup to Elliott. However, from his third year onwards, he started to make a name for himself, doubling his total scrimmage yards.
During the 2022 season, in the final year of his rookie-scale contract, Pollard would truly take over. During the year, Pollard truly transcended into a superstar player and one of the best running backs in the game, taking over the starter job. Eventually, his efforts would land him in the Pro Bowl thanks to an unbelievable 1,000 rushing-yard season. This season, Pollard has been at his best as the primary running option for a dangerous Cowboys squad. Moreover, he looks set to play a huge role in determining the outcome of Dallas’ season and its performance in the playoffs.
Tony Pollard Contract Breakdown
Here is a breakdown of Tony Pollard’s current four-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys:
| Contract | Signing Bonus | Average Salary | GTD at Sign | Total GTD |
| 1yr, $10,091,000 | - | $10,091,000 | $10,091,000 | $10,091,000 |
| Year | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Cap Hit | Dead Cap | Yearly Cash |
| 2023 | $10,091,000 | - | $10,091,000 | $10,091,000 | $10,091,000 |
How much is Tony Pollard getting paid?
After lengthy negotiations, Pollard and the Dallas Cowboys did not find common ground on an extension. While the Cowboys did offer a long-term contract, it wasn’t as lucrative as Pollard had hoped. As a result, he would return to the team with a franchise tag for the 2023 season. The tag places him among the better-paid running backs for the upcoming year, with the value amounting to $10,091,000.
How much money does Tony Pollard make a minute?
The $10,091,000 amount makes sure that Pollard earns close to $19 per minute, every day. Despite the running back position taking a significant downturn in value, Pollard got a major payday with the Dallas Cowboys courtesy of a franchise tag extension. How much of Tony Pollard’s Contract is guaranteed?
Due to Pollard and the Dallas Cowboys agreeing on a franchise tag, the entire $10,091,000 sum works as a base salary that is guaranteed to him.
What are the terms of Tony Pollard’s Contract?
The Dallas Cowboys and Pollard were unable to reach a contract extension by the end of free agency. As a result, Pollard chose to come on to their team with a franchise tag that would pay him a shade over $10 million. While the $10,091,000 is a significant sum for a Running Back in today’s game, it is far less than what a potential contract extension for Ezekiel Elliott would cost, thereby making both parties happy.
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FAQs
A: Tony Pollard and the Dallas Cowboys were unable to reach a contract extension, despite a long-term offer from the team. As a result, he will be playing the 2023 season on a franchise tag with the team.
A: Tony Pollard signed a 4-year contract worth $15,586,352 with the New England Patriots in 2021, which saw the entire sum of the contract be guaranteed, as is common for rookie-scale deals.
A: Despite his standing as a running back and the increasingly diminutive value of the role, Tony Pollard was able to get a significant number on his franchise tag worth $10,091,000.
A: Due to the lack of a contract, Tony Pollard is playing with the Dallas Cowboys on a franchise for the 2023 season. At the end of this year, he will turn into a free agent.
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