Cowboys' RB Tony Pollard: 'Undervalued'?
The Dallas Cowboys enjoyed Tony Pollard's 2022 breakout on a bargain, and the math is there to prove it.
A study from BetMassachusetts.com ranked the top 10 most "undervalued" running backs from last season's NFL season - founded on an equation of cap hits and all-purpose yards - reveals that Pollard place third in best bargains. He trails only Rhamondre Stevenson (New England) and Isiah Pacheco (Kansas City).
While many in Dallas were well aware of Pollard's multi-faceted talents, last season saw him formally introduce himself to the national gridiron scene as he wrangled away primary backfield duties from the since-released Ezekiel Elliott. At 1,378 all-purpose yards and a cap hit of just over $1.1 million, Pollard, in essence, earned $821 per yard. Stevenson was the leader in terms of bargains at $693, while the Chiefs' champion Pacheco was at $755.
The study releases at a curious time on the NFL running back's timeline, as high-profile runners like the Elliott and Minnesota's Dalvin Cook linger on the free-agent market despite packed rushing resumes. It has led to potential holdouts from other star running backs like Saquon Barkley (Giants) and Josh Jacobs (Raiders), each of whom are seeking big bucks and long-term security in their respective locales.
Even if he continues the torrid pace he set last season, don't expect Pollard to appear on similar lists: His work last season, which afforded him his Pro Bowl invite, was earned in the final season of the four-year rookie contract bestowed to him upon his fourth-round entry out of Memphis in 2019. For his efforts, Pollard was bestowed a one-year tender of just over $10 million to immediately remain in Dallas. A long-term contract for Pollard appears to be the next step.
The study seems to agree, noting that all but one of the 10 rushers on the list were playing on rookie contracts. Ninth-place back Latavius Murray (Denver/New Orleans) was the lone exception.
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
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