Cowboys Rumors: Tony Pollard Contract Interests Dallas amid Saquon Barkley Buzz

The Dallas Cowboys are allowing Tony Pollard to explore free agency, but they're reportedly open to a reunion.

Dan Graziano of ESPN reported the Cowboys have "some interest" in bringing back Pollard, though they are also expected to explore other big names on the market. Pollard is joined by Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, Austin Ekeler and Josh Jacobs as free agents this offseason.

The Cowboys used their franchise tag on Pollard last offseason but are allowing him to explore free agency after a middling 2023. Pollard rushed for 1,005 yards and six touchdowns while adding 55 receptions for 311 yards during his first season as a starter. The increased workload clearly took a toll, as Pollard's yards per carry dipped from 5.2 in 2022 to 4.0 in 2023.

Pollard was also recovering from a leg fracture suffered late in the 2022 season, which he said took a toll on his explosiveness.

"I would say it's a night and day difference," Pollard told reporters in December. "You think you're good. You think you're all the way back until you're actually out there making plays, full speed, feeling it. Once you get a feel for it and get your feet under you, then you start to realize, 'Oh, so I may have lost a little right there.' But I'm picking it back up."

If Pollard does return, it'll be at a sizable discount. The Cowboys have just $2.2 million in cap space and don't have many avenues to clear up major room. Extending Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb are the two most obvious options, but fan frustration with Prescott has been mounting amid the team's continued playoff failures.

Dallas will likely sign a veteran running back at some point in the coming weeks, but it may be more of a matter of cost over fit.