Tony Pollard’s preseason success complicates Ezekiel Elliott contract situation

Rookie RB Tony Pollard continues to prove the Dallas Cowboys can have an effective running game without Ezekiel Elliott.

The argument against paying running backs lucrative contracts in today’s NFL is starting-quality options can be found in the middle rounds of the NFL Draft. And with those mid-round picks come team-friendly contracts for at least four years. The franchise player tag gives clubs control for a fifth — and even sixth — season if they so choose.

So why break the bank on a 1,000-yard running back, even if they’re a superstar?

The 2019 preseason has two noteworthy players holding out for a new contract: Ezekiel Elliot (Cowboys) and Melvin Gordon (Chargers). Both teams have Super Bowl aspirations but neither appears willing to budge on their bellcow back’s salary demands.

The situation in Dallas appeared more likely to be resolved, with Jerry Jones and the rest of the Cowboys’ decision-makers expected to eventually give Elliott what he wants. But the success of rookie Tony Pollard may be changing that.

Pollard was especially impressive Saturday against the Rams. He ran the ball five times for 42 yards and an impressive touchdown run.

https://twitter.com/PFF/status/1162939237441986561

His performance elicited a funny quip from Jones after the game.

Before we let this narrative take on a life of its own, let’s get one thing straight: Zeke is going to get paid, and he’s going to get paid a boatload of cash. Pollard has given Dallas a fantastic security blanket in the event Elliott does extend his holdout into the regular season, but even more significant is Pollard’s ability to play a complementary role for Elliott in the offense. And if Elliott ever goes down with an injury, Pollard is proving he’s a strong candidate to step in and replace him.

It feels like a win-win for the Cowboys, who have the potential to field one of the more impressive offenses in the NFL in 2019.