Cowboys Trade Debate: Pay Chargers Austin Ekeler & Tony Pollard?
When the Dallas Cowboys applied the franchise tag to running back Tony Pollard, it signaled a changing of the guard at the position moving forward, and brought an end to the Ezekiel Elliott era in Dallas.
However, even though they franchise tagged Pollard, that does not stop them from acquiring a running back - either to form a strong duo or to eventually take over as the next starting running back in Dallas.
A consistent option that's been floated all offseason in countless mock drafts is the Cowboys drafting Texas star Bijan Robinson with the No. 26 overall pick. While that is an option, there is a star running back available on the trade market.
The running back? Austin Ekeler of the Los Angeles Chargers.
Bleacher Report put together a list of contenders that could make a trade for Ekeler, and listed both why they shouldn't do it, with the Cowboys among the teams listed.
Why they should:
"The Dallas Cowboys cut Ezekiel Elliott, and Tony Pollard underwent surgery on his fractured left fibula and a high ankle sprain in January. According to ESPN's Todd Archer, Pollard will be at "full strength" before training camp, but he can split touches with Ekeler to form an electric one-two punch out of the Cowboys backfield."
Purely on paper the duo of Pollard and Ekeler would be one of the most electric running back tandems in the NFL. Last season the two rushed for a combined 1,922 yards and 22 touchdowns, but Ekeler's impact would be felt in more than the rushing attack.
Arguably the best receiving back in the NFL, Ekeler recorded 722 receiving yards and five touchdowns on 107 receptions, leading the Chargers in receptions and receiving touchdowns last season.
It isn't hard to see the appeal of pairing two dynamic backs in an offense that already features Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks. Of course, as fun as that idea sounds, it likely isn't entirely practical in reality.
Why they shouldn't:
"Dallas franchise-tagged Pollard, which indicates he's due for a big role in 2023. With $10.1 million already locked into the running back position, the Cowboys have no reason to hand out another big contract to Ekeler."
As mentioned, trading for Ekeler and then having to pay him a hefty contract (his $6.5 mil salary for 2023 being the origin of his unhappiness in LA) might not be beneficial for the Cowboys in the long-term. Pollard has shown he is more than capable of being a lead running back in the snaps he's received.
Should the Cowboys feel the need to go get another running back, though, opting for the draft could make more sense - both roster fit and financially, as a rookie would be younger and cheaper than a hypothetical Ekeler contract.
You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98
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