Tony Pollard just paved Derrick Henry's path to sign with the Cowboys

There was hope leading up to NFL free agency that the Dallas Cowboys would re-sign Tony Pollard. Reports indicated Pollard would be willing to take less to return to the Cowboys evne if he received a greater offer on the open market.

Well, the Cowboys must pivot quickly after Pollard reportedly agreed to terms with the Titans, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport followed up and confirmed Wilson's report, so it seems Pollard is on his way to Tennessee.

Pollard doesn't leave the Cowboys on the greatest of terms after his disappointing 2023 season, but he rediscovered his Pro Bowl form over the final eight games. He was very clearly slowed by offseason ankle surgery and fractured fibula suffered in the 2022 playoff loss against the 49ers.

Pollard's departure leaves Dallas with a gaping hole at running back. The Derrick Henry rumors stoked up in the days leading up to the legal tampering period, and they surely aren't going anywhere with Pollard headed to Henry's longtime stomping grounds.

Tony Pollard signing with Titans clears Cowboys path to sign Derrick Henry

Over the weekend, Jeff Cavanaugh of 97.1 The Freak in Dallas heard from a source to not rule out Henry signing with the Cowboys. Henry was never expected to re-sign with Tennessee and multiple running back-needy teams have already signed free agents, including the Bears, who inked D'Andre Swift. Meanwhile, the Eagles are reportedly in hot pursuit of Giants star Saquon Barkley.

If the Cowboys re-signed Pollard, they would've needed another running back; preferably a power back to handle the short-yardage work. Signing Henry would knock out two birds with one stone. The three-time rushing champ is obviously a wrecking ball in the trenches and his sheer girth and acceleration allows him to sprint past defenders in the open field.

Of course, the elephant in the room is Henry's potential contract. The running back market is surprisingly strong this free agency. D'Andre Swift signed with the Bears for north of $8 million per year and Pollard got $8 million annually from the Titans.

If Henry is worth $8-9 million over one or two years, Dallas should do it. Some fans might want the Cowboys to stay out of the RB market entirely. They're still paying Ezekiel Elliott, at least in terms of dead money, and have finally reset the money at the position.

However, you can't rule out anything with Jerry Jones pulling the strings. As more teams sign RBs, the more likely it is Derrick Henry finds his way to Dallas.

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