In fact, one source that spoke with Sportskeeda believes the fact that the Cowboys franchise tagged Pollard means they’re done with Elliott. They said:
“Sources at the NFL Scouting Combine say that now that Dallas Cowboys have franchised RB Tony Pollard, former starter Ezekiel Elliott will in all likelihood be released before the start of the new League calendar which begins on March 15.”
Tony Pollard’s fate may be sealed
Pollard has played excellently this season and while Elliott wasn’t necessarily bad, he proved to be expendable. His contract was also pretty high, so Pollard is both cheaper and perhaps better.
The Cowboys probably need weapons on offense, especially with tight end Dalton Schultz likely gone in free agency. The loss of Elliott can be survived in the backfield and it opens up a lot of money for the Cowboys to play with in free agency.
Where does Ezekiel Elliott go after Tony Pollard franchise tag?
Tony Pollard’s franchise tag likely means the former first-round pick’s Dallas Cowboys career is done. He’ll enter free agency and have his pick of teams, but which ones will be interested in signing him?
An aging, expensive running back isn’t desirable to most teams, so Elliott’s paycheck is likely to drop with his new contract. Still, he has talent and isn’t out of gas yet, so a team will pick him up at one point or another this off-season.
The Buffalo Bills need a stronger running game and a cheaper Elliott could be a good option for them. The Los Angeles Chargers proved they need a second fiddle to go with Austin Ekeler this season, and Elliott would fit that bill.
What’s next for Ezekiel Elliott?
It may not be for a very long contract, nor a lucrative one, but Elliott will bounce back from this. He may not be the star running back of the Cowboys anymore, but he’s far from being bounced from the league.