One NFL expert predicts Cowboys will sign former All Pro running back

Talk to anyone about the Cowboys and ask their thoughts on what Dallas can do to fix their offensive lapses. A change in the running game always seems like a solution.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones might soon tip his hand about his plans for the position. On Tuesday, the NFL began a 15-day period for each team to designate a franchise tag player. That’s if they decide to use the tag.

This time a year ago, the Cowboys placed the tag on Tony Pollard and indicated they were letting go of Ezekiel Elliott. But Jones doesn’t plan on using the tag on Pollard or anyone else this time around. That’s according to the Dallas Morning News. If Pollard got tagged again, it would mean a 20 percent pay raise. Now, if Dallas wants to keep the running back, there would need to be a long term agreement with a lower cap hit. Sides couldn’t agree on a deal last year.

Pollard gained 1,005 yards last season, which ranked 12th in the NFL. He had one game of more than 100 yards. It was back in September in a loss to the Cardinals.

Cowboys may look at Josh Jacobs, former NFL rushing leader

So if Pollard goes, who might the Cowboys sign? ESPN projected that Dallas could sign Josh Jacobs, the former Alabama star who led the NFL in rushing in 2022. Jacobs, like Pollard, got the franchise tag. But Jacobs sat out training camp to bargain for a better deal. His rushing total last year dropped to a career low 805 yards. He also missed the final four games because of a quad injury.

Jacobs “has been a volume grinder for the Raiders, with the low pad level to finish runs and the quickness to make defenders miss,“ ESPN wrote. “Jacobs, who led the NFL in rushing in 2022, could also be utilized as a receiving option for Dak Prescott on swings, screens and unders.“

If Pollard leaves the Cowboys, ESPN believes the Commanders would be a good spot. He could be reunited with Dan Quinn, the former Dallas defensive coordinator. He also may be playing with a rookie quarterback since Washington is expected to use its No. 2 selection in the first round to pick a QB.