PFF predicts landing spots for Dallas Cowboys' top free agents
The NFL’s franchise tagging period began this week but the Dallas Cowboys have yet to announce which of their offensive weapons will get the tag this year. Tight end Dalton Schultz, tagged last season, and running back Tony Pollard are the top two free-agent candidates but Dallas can only designate one franchise tag.
With both Cowboys stars heading toward free agency, ProFootballFocus took a stab at predicting where the duo will be when kickoff arrives in 2023.
PFF predicts the Cowboys’ top tight end will wind up in the AFC with the Indianapolis Colts.
“Schultz may ultimately stay in Dallas after being a consummate professional following a franchise tag and once again having a very productive season, especially once quarterback Dak Prescott returned from injury,” PFF writes. “New Colts head coach Shane Steichen comes from the Philadelphia Eagles, where quality tight end production has always been a priority, with Dallas Goedert a similarly good blocker and receiving threat like Schultz.”
Schultz played the 2022 season with the franchise tag after failing to reach an agreement for a long-term deal. He made $10.93 million on the tag, but it would cost $13.1 million for next season.
In 2022, he finished second on the team in receptions (57) and receiving yards (577). He also added 12 receptions, 122 yards and three touchdowns in two postseason games to go with his five regular season scores.
Prediction: Pollard to stay in Dallas
If the Cowboys must move on from Schultz, at least they aren’t also going to part ways with Tony Pollard. PFF predicts Pollard will stay in Dallas. The former Memphis fourth-rounder is the perfect complement to Ezekiel Elliott. The Cowboys just need to make sure he’ll be what he was before fracturing his fibula and suffering a high-ankle sprain in the playoffs.
“Dallas seems to want him back regardless as a perfect pairing with the current version of Ezekiel Elliott, which is a short-yardage back who is great on third-and-short and near the goal line,” PFF writes.
“Pollard’s primary weakness in his game entering 2022 was his pass protection, an area Elliott has long excelled in. Pollard earned a 45.6 grade in that regard in 2021, allowing three sacks and another quarterback hit on just 36 snaps. However, Pollard’s 75.3 pass-blocking grade ranked second this season among running backs with at least 25 pass-blocking reps, and that’s a hugely important development for a dynamic receiving back.”
Pollard rushed for a career-high 1,007 yards while averaging 9.5 yards per catch on 39 receptions this season for Dallas. He also earned his first Pro Bowl bid.
Once a player signs on the franchise tag, the team can still negotiate a long-term deal until July 15.
The negotiating window for upcoming free agents who haven’t received franchise tag designations begins on March 13.