Austin Ekeler Gets Permission to Seek Trade: Cowboys' Tony Pollard vs. Chargers RB?
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FRISCO - Austin Ekeler is getting his first wish. He wants out of Los Angeles and on Monday asked for permission to speak with other teams about a trade.
On Tuesday, per ESPN, that permission was granted.
So what does this have to do with the Dallas Cowboys?
Start with this: Is Ekeler better than Tony Pollard?
Ekeler has been one of the most productive members of the offense since joining the Chargers and is set to make only $6.25 million in 2023.
Ekeler and the Chargers have been in preliminary contract extension talks, but the lack of progress has him wanting to change scenery.
The Cowboys have meanwhile franchise-tagged running back Tony Pollard, who appears to be the future RB1 for the team, but he also will be searching for a long-term deal soon as Dallas continues negotiations with him.
Ezekiel Elliott's future in Dallas is still in question as he could be a salary cap casualty this offseason, and if so, the Cowboys could be looking to replace him.
Enter Ekeler, who led the league the past two seasons with 20 and 18 touchdowns, respectively. He also caught a career-high 107 passes last season while rushing for 915 yards, averaging 4.5 yards per carry. He also added 722 yards receiving.
If Dallas wants to continue with a two-headed rushing attack, it should take a long, hard look at Ekeler if the Chargers would be willing to listen to offers.
Or ... Who is the better bang-for-buck player, Pollard at $10 million (his tag figure) or Ekeler at $6.25 million? Ekeler is 27, Pollard 25; that's an issue. But if we are to think in a non-linear (and financially slick way): Isn't Ekeler clearly the better value?
Dallas would have to rescind its offer to Pollard (yes, that's legal) and the construction of the roster might be better for it. That would take some guts, but unfortunately, it might take something else: A conversation with Ekeler and his agent about the exact nature of his conflict with the Chargers. There is certainly the possibility that Ekeler is seeking a new deal greatly in excess of what Pollard is about to make ... which would crush the viability for Dallas or any other team searching for a bargain.
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