Cowboys, Tony Pollard Fail To Reach Extension -- Here's What Happens Next

Tony Pollard - NFC Wild Card Playoffs - Dallas Cowboys v Tampa Bay Buccaneers

(Photo : Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) TAMPA, FLORIDA - Tony Pollard (#20) of the Dallas Cowboys carries the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the third quarter in the NFC Wild Card playoff game at Raymond James Stadium on January 16, 2023 in Tampa, Florida.

Dallas Cowboys fans need to hold their breath for another season as the team and Tony Pollard failed to find common ground for a new long-term deal.

A deadline was set to ensure both camps reached an agreement, but nothing came out. NFL Network's Jane Slate reported no extensive talks about the player's new deal.

With this development, the 2019 fourth-round pick will have to play the one-year franchise deal he signed in March this year before becoming a free agent in 2024.

Dallas RB Tony Pollard and the Cowboys officially did not reach agreement on a long-term extension before today’s 4 pm ET deadline for franchise players to sign long-term deals this season. Pollard now will play on his one-year franchise deal before becoming a free agent in 2024.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 17, 2023

Cowboys' 2022 Pro Bowl awardee was just one of many players who did not get a contract after getting the franchise tag. The others are New York Giants' Saquon Barkley and the Las Vegas Raiders' Josh Jacobs.

Pollard will prove himself this season

The coming season will be when Pollard has to assert himself as the team's main running back.

The Cowboys released fan favorite and long-time running back Ezekiel Elliott, and many believe that the decision was made because of the emergence of Pollard.

He set his career highs in rushing yards (1,007) and touchdowns (nine) last season.

A big payday is on the horizon for Pollard, but he has to prove himself again as he recovers from a broken fibula he contracted during the NFC Divisional Round against the San Francisco 49ers.

Pollard says he is taking it day by day when it comes to his injury. He is ready for the training camp and assures that he can top his past seasons.

"Honestly I feel faster," he said. "I mean we got great trainers. Working with [director of rehabilitation Britt Brown] on the bands, I don't know for how many months we've been going since the season was over, I just feel like I got a lot of juice in me left."