Cowboys RB Tony Pollard signs franchise tag

The countdown is on for the Dallas Cowboys and Tony Pollard to agree to a new deal.

Pollard has signed his franchise tag, ESPN reported Thursday. By signing the franchise tag, Pollard and the Cowboys will have until July 17 to agree to a new contract, or he'll become a free agent again in 2024.

Pollard will earn $10.09 million on the tag. He has spent four years in Dallas since being drafted in 2019's fourth round. The two sides could not work out a long-term deal prior to the Tuesday deadline. Pollard comes in at No. 17 on FOX Sports' top 50 NFL free agency rankings.

The 25-year-old 2022 Pro Bowl participant rushed for 1,007 yards and nine touchdowns in 2022, both career highs. He also caught 39 passes for 371 yards and three touchdowns. However, Pollard's postseason was cut short when he fractured his left fibula in the Cowboys' divisional-round matchup, which required offseason surgery. Pollard has played 62 career games and recorded 2,616 rushing yards, 1,500 kick return yards, 3 fumbles and 1,008 receiving yards.

Dallas will almost certainly release or renegotiate the contract of Pollard's backfield mate, Ezekiel Elliott, this offseason.

Before applying the franchise tag, the Cowboys had 21 free agents to consider this offseason. Dallas will also need to consider contracts for safety Donovan Wilson, linebacker Leighton Vander Esch and cornerback Anthony Brown. The team will look to improve their offensive line and wide receiver positions this offseason. The Cowboys' first-round pick is 26th overall.

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