Cowboys News: Emmitt Smith’s odd take on RB debate, Darren Woodson on Hall of Fame snub

There’s an ominous cloud hanging over the Dallas Cowboys franchise this offseason. That cloud is the front office’s impending decision on Ezekiel Elliott’s future, as releasing the declining running back could save the money-constrained Cowboys a healthy $10.9 million against the 2023 salary cap.

There’s even widespread debate about Tony Pollard’s future.

Though the offense’s most dynamic playmaker not named CeeDee Lamb, folks are hesitant to commit franchise tag money ($10.091 million for running backs) to Pollard, let alone sign him to a multi-year contract.

Though that logic has something to do with Pollard’s high-ankle sprain and fractured fibula suffered in the Divisional Round loss to the 49ers, it largely comes down to not paying a running back. After all, a second- or third-round prospect could contribute similar production for a fraction of the price.

You might think who better to ask about the conundrum than Emmitt Smith. However, the Cowboys legend had a confounding take on the situation while speaking to USA Today’s Mackenzie Salmon before the Super Bowl.

Smith thinks Dallas should bring Zeke back after Pollard’s injury. You can catch the interview behind the following link.

More Cowboys News:

• While the NFL Honors were a great night for the Cowboys with DeMarcus Ware getting voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and Dak Prescott winning Walter Payton Man of the Year, Darren Woodson came up short in the Hall of Fame polls for the 15th year since he first became eligible in 2008. Despite the longer-than-expected wait, Woodson is confident his time will come.
• “Anytime you’re in a situation where you’re up for an award and you don’t win it…” Woodson told Cowboys.com. “I’d be a fool and lying to you if I said I wasn’t disappointed. There’s an opportunity for me to continue in this process, and hopefully that opportunity is next year, the following year or whatever. I feel like, at some point, it’s going to happen. And I’m okay with that.”
• Woodson’s resume is absolutely Canton-worthy. He was a three-time champion with the Cowboys, made five Pro Bowls, was a three-time first-team All-Pro, and is the franchise’s all-time leading tackler with 1,350 career stops. He became the 21st member of Dallas’ Ring of Honor in 2015.

NFL News:

• The Jets have approached the Packers about Aaron Rodgers’ availability, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. New York is in the market for a veteran quarterback after Zach Wilson failed to cement himself as the starter in 2022, and Rodgers appears to be atop their wishlist. The Jets hired Rodgers’ former offensive coordinator in Green Bay, Nathaniel Hackett, as their offensive coordinator with the hope of attracting Rodgers to Florham Park.
• Vikings star running back Dalvin Cook underwent surgery to repair a shoulder injury that’s been lingering over the last few seasons. Per ESPN, Cook’s been dealing with chronic shoulder injuries dating back to college. He suffered a dislocated shoulder in 2022, but didn’t miss any game time.

Cowboys’ Jayron Kearse dances on Eagles, Nick Sirianni’s grave after Super Bowl loss

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