Dalton Schultz vs. Tony Pollard: Which is Cowboys Franchise Tag 'Bargain'?
The Dallas Cowboys have a dilemma - two players they'd like to keep, but only one franchise tag.
And thus, the question is simple: tight end Dalton Schultz or running back Tony Pollard?
Granted, the Cowboys could always simply extend one and tag the other ... or sign both outright … or let both walk …
But there are drawbacks and issues no matter the paths.
For Pollard, the Cowboys insist there are no concerns surrounding his ability to return to full health after he broke his leg in the season-ending playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
But even if that’s so … the move of making high-money, long-term commitments to running backs doesn't have a great track record.
So is giving Pollard the tag - which is set to be just over $10 million - and having him prove he's healthy ia logical play? Or an overpay?
Pro Football Focus is among those that the Cowboys should instead tag Schultz, because his $13.1 million contract would be a "bargain" relative to the average annual value he'd earn on an extension.
There's also the element that Schultz, who caught 57 passes for 577 yards and five touchdowns across 15 games, is simply too indispensable to risk letting hit the open market.
"Over the past three seasons, Schultz stacks up with the top tight ends in the NFL in a host of categories. He’s logged more regular-season snaps than any player at the position over the span and ranks within the top 10 in yards after the catch, yards after contact and contested catch rate.
Schultz’s importance to the Cowboys' offense was on full display in the playoffs to the tune of 18 targets, 12 receptions and three touchdowns over two games." - PFF's Brad Spielberger
But there are ways to get production at tight end without paying top dollar … so “indispensable” is a strong word.
Speaking of indispensable - how about Pollard?
Fresh off his first 1,000-yard rushing season and Pro Bowl nod, Pollard's playmaking ability was a critical part of Dallas' offense and could continue to be moving forward as questions surround Ezekiel Elliott's future in the backfield.
PFF writes that Pollard is merely "another candidate" for the tag, and we can tell you the Cowboys don’t view him that casually.
According to Spotrac, Pollard's market value warrants a three-year, $27 million deal, or $9 million per year, a slightly cheaper price than the franchise tag but one that would still make him the eighth-highest paid running back in the NFL.
Pollard, who turns 26 in late April, could still be in his prime by the time a potential three-year contract would come to its close, especially considering his lighter workload early in his Cowboys career.
All of that gives Dallas two paths … but plenty to think about along the roster-building journey.
You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft
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