Tony Pollard is headed back to his native Tennessee.
As first reported by Aaron Wilson, who cited a league source, the Cowboys running back will sign with the Tennessee Titans. The move came within the first hour of the NFL’s so-called “legal tampering period” prior to the official start of free agency.
Pollard, the former fourth-round draft pick who spent his first five seasons in Dallas, grew up in the Memphis area and played collegiately for the Memphis Tigers. The 26-year-old’s return to the Volunteer State will pair him with Titans rusher Tyjae Spears, as the team is expected to watch two-time rushing champ Derrick Henry leave via free agency after eight seasons there.
#Titans are expected to sign running back Tony Pollard, per a league source @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 11, 2024
NFL insider Josina Anderson reported shortly after the announcement that Pollard will sign a three-year deal worth $24 million. Those numbers could change as full details of the contract are made public.
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While the Cowboys elected not to franchise tag Pollard for a second time, there was some belief that the organization was interested in bringing him back after consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons.
Per Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Giants and Vikings were among the teams also courting Pollard, but he opted for the largest payday being offered him.
Now Pollard is off to Nashville (though it won’t be official until papers are signed on Wednesday at the earliest), and the leading rusher currently on the Cowboys roster is Dak Prescott.
Dallas has been mentioned, at least loosely, as being a possible destination for Henry, in what would be a high-profile ball-carrier swap.
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