Last week, the Minnesota Vikings cut loose starting running back Alexander Mattison, opening the door for the team to try out running back Tony Pollard of the Dallas Cowboys, a player they have had their eye on for a while.
Running back is a priority in free agency beginning on March 13 and Pollard has supporters in high places within the Vikings organization, according to KSTP’s Darren Wolfson, who made a guest on SKOR North’s “Mackey and Judd” podcast on March 7.
“A number of people have a very high regard for Tony Pollard,” Wolfson stated, noting that Pollard’s performance in the Vikings’ 40-3 rout in 2022 had some enduring influence in Minnesota. “Just because Tony Pollard has some fans in Eagan doesn’t mean they’re going to chase him.”
That day at U.S. Bank Stadium, Pollard, who was Ezekiel Elliott’s backup, took up the most of the effort. He ran for 80 yards on 15 rushes and added six receptions for 109 yards and two scores in the air.
Despite Elliott’s absence, he amassed over 1,000 rushing yards, 371 receiving yards, and 12 total touchdowns in the 2022 season, earning him a spot in the Pro Bowl.
After playing under a one-year, $10.09 million franchise tag, Pollard is coming off a disappointing season in his debut season as a starter.
In a competitive market where the Cowboys might pursue a star running back like Josh Jacobs, Derrick Henry, or Saquon Barkley, he is set to enter free agency, providing the Vikings with an opportunity to sign him at a reduced cost.
Tony Pollard’s Potential in the Passing Game: Throughout his career, Pollard, a 2019 fourth-round selection, has outperformed predictions.
Before Pollard was named the Cowboys starting running back, he spent two seasons as Pro Football Focus’ fourth-highest rated running back. As Elliott’s change-of-pace back throughout his first four seasons in the NFL, he averaged 5.13 yards per carry.
After assuming control of the rushing game in the previous season, Pollard displayed considerable regression. Though he still gained over 1,000 yards from rushing, his career-low 4.0 yards per carry were achieved. Last season, Pollard was PFF’s fifteenth-highest ranked back.
Pollard’s problems have been attributed on Mike McCarthy, who has come under fire for failing to take use of the running back’s ability to set up plays.
But the Vikings should be drawn to Pollard because of his skill in the passing game, not only his rushing abilities. Last season, he got a lot of action as a receiver, hauling in 55 catches for 311 yards and three touchdowns.
Pollard’s ability to consistently block passes is more significant to Kevin O’Connell.
Among running backs with 60 or more pass-blocking snaps, he had the fourth-highest PFF pass-blocking grade (70.6). With the second-highest number of pass-block snaps (115) of any running back in the NFL, Pollard was a regular starter in Dallas.
Ty Chandler, who had trouble with pass protection in his second NFL season, may not be the bell cow in favor of Pollard, who has experience in many areas of the game.
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