In the wake of a horrifically disappointing end to the season which featured one of the most embarrassing losses in Dallas history, the Cowboys are rumored to be contemplating a significant shakeup at the running back position for the 2024 season.
One of the focal points of speculation revolves around the future of running back Tony Pollard, who was franchise-tagged last offseason.
The Cowboys could work out a deal or just franchise-tag him again – but that is probably unlikely due to the hefty $12.1 million price tag that would come with it.
Instead, there’s a chance Dallas lets Pollard hit the open market.
Last Tony Pollard dropped 1.2 YPC from last season to this season 😬 pic.twitter.com/Kmv1G8MhK8
— PFF Fantasy & Betting (@PFF_Fantasy) January 12, 2024
ESPN’s Aaron Schatz weighed in on the situation, predicting that the Cowboys would part ways with Pollard and aggressively trade up to the top of the third round in the upcoming NFL Draft.
“The Cowboys will allow running back Tony Pollard to leave in free agency and then trade up to the top of the third round to take a new starting running back, perhaps Blake Corum (from Michigan),” Schatz stated in his column.
Blake Corum’s Michigan Career was epic. He will go down as one of the best running backs to ever play in college football. 〽️ pic.twitter.com/RSfrnvIEPr
— College Football Alerts (@CFBAlerts_) January 24, 2024
“There aren’t really any running backs projected to go in this year’s first two rounds, but the Cowboys will want to move up to make sure they get the guy they want,” he added.
Some of these cowboys fans I swear 🤦🏾 writing off Tony Pollard already? pic.twitter.com/9bJCLgzWn5
— 💵Cool Credit & CDL's💵 (@ItsTexasT03) January 26, 2024
Corum is coming off a stellar college career with the Michigan Wolverines. He was a major piece of Jim Harbaugh’s national championship team this season.
Corum rushed for 1,245 rushing yards and a remarkable 27 touchdowns on 258 carries this season.
He has a phenomenal work-ethic and spirit and has always played like a pit bull on the field … It’s safe to say he should be able to translate just fine to the NFL level.
Blake Corum has been selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2024 NFL Draft. https://t.co/GI5jZe4VYi
— Falkkon00 (@Falkkon00) January 14, 2024
There are also rumblings of the Cowboys possibly being interested in New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley.
Barkley is in the same position as Pollard and it’s likely that Big Blue will let him walk out the door as a free agent this offseason.
He won’t come cheap, and the Cowboys are a tight on money as they have to figure out what they’re going to do long-term with Dak Prescott, Micah Parsons and CeeDee Lamb.
Having said that, it’s not the craziest thing in the world to think that Barkley might take a slight discount to play on a Super Bowl contender – especially one where he can stick it to the Giants.
Want to change the dynamics of the Cowboys offense, go get Saquon Barkley. Spend some money Jerry. pic.twitter.com/AyVn41dJZm
— Dallas Cowboys77 (@Cowboys77777) January 24, 2024
https://t.co/QmRePhQAyv if My boys signed saquon Barkley we can rank number in yards in 2024
— Cowboycoby (@JacobyMitchel15) January 23, 2024
Do you think the Cowboys have a realistic shot at Barkley? … Or will he be too expensive?
As far as Pollard, do you think he’s indeed a goner?
Who do you believe are the top three running backs in the upcoming draft???