In a move signaling the end of the Derrick Henry era in Tennessee, the Titans have made a significant decision on his replacement.
According to reports, Tennessee will sign former Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard to a three-year, $24 million deal.
The #Titans are signing former Cowboys RB Tony Pollard to a 3-year deal worth $24M, per multiple reports. pic.twitter.com/CWHyPKVeA1
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) March 11, 2024
Pollard’s impending arrival comes amid speculation surrounding Henry’s future with the team.
Despite being the face of the franchise for years, it’s widely assumed that Henry has played his last game in a Titans uniform.
Derrick Henry really gone bruh #Titans pic.twitter.com/s4zJXouuzR
— Glizzy Mcguire 🎒🤞🏾 (@St0nedSt00p_kid) March 11, 2024
As for the popular Pollard, he played last season under the $10.1 million franchise tag in Dallas.
This new deal, though representing a pay cut in annual salary, offers greater security with enhanced guaranteed money.
From Free Agency Frenzy: Tony Pollard lands with the #Titans. pic.twitter.com/OCaHRb3PvI
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2024
During his tenure in Dallas, Pollard flourished as the understudy to Ezekiel Elliott, showcasing remarkable efficiency and explosiveness.
Despite initially facing challenges as the lead back in 2023, stemming from a lingering leg injury, Pollard improved as the season progressed.
One word: why?
Isn’t this the same guy that got the RB1 role after zeke left and didn’t do shit with it? The narrative all year was he proved he wasn’t that dude. Not to mention his skill set is essentially the same as spears. I don’t understand why we spent 8m a year on him?
— Jon Chunn (@jdchunn10) March 11, 2024
Notably, Pollard’s physique and running style is considerably different than Henry’s trademark bruising style.
Although Titans fans will have to use to life-after-Henry, they’ll quickly embrace Pollard’s dynamic ability.
Not only is he an explosive runner but he’s a true receiving threat out of the backfield, which will surely help quarterback Will Levis and Tennessee’s offensive attack.
Tony Pollard is a MUCH BETTER RB2 than he is a RB1.
A combination of Spears and Pollard should be exciting to watch in both the run and pass game.
Initial Contract is a bit too much for me but have to see the full language of the contract… #Titans pic.twitter.com/yNOzkGZWSI
— SharmSports (@dsharma13sc) March 11, 2024
As far as Dallas is concerned, it won’t be too easy to replace Pollard’s productiveness on the field.
They face significant financial hurdles and have multiple players they need to eventually take care of (Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons).
Having said that, could they possibly be in play for free agent Saquon Barkley???
QB: Dak Prescott
RB1: Saquon Barkley
RB2: Derrick HenryTE: Jake Ferguson
WR1: CeeDee Lamb
WR2: Tee Higgins
WR3: Brandin CooksHow we feeling about this lineup #Cowboys fans?
ALL IN pic.twitter.com/kp8zCo7O9u
— Ernie The Cowboys Fan (@es3_09) March 11, 2024