Tony Pollard, Dallas Cowboys (Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports)
The Dallas Cowboys watched as Tony Pollard ran over the Chicago Bears after starting in place of Ezekiel Elliott. Here are three teams who should try to get Elliott in a trade.
The Dallas Cowboys have gotten off to a great start to the 2022 season, as they were 5-2 entering Week 8, which just so happened to be before the NFL’s trade deadline. Heading into their game, the Cowboys were expected to be without top running back Ezekiel Elliott due to a knee injury. That was later confirmed, meaning that Tony Pollard would receive the start against the Chicago Bears.
Pollard had a tremendous showing against the Bears, taking 14 handoffs for 131 yards and three touchdowns in the Cowboys’ 49-29 victory.
The Cowboys have an interesting dilemma on their hands. Elliott is under contract for big money, while Pollard has been performing extremely well over the past two years, and is set to be a free agent at year’s end. Signing Pollard would be wise, considering it will probably be a lot cheaper than hanging onto Elliott’s contract.
With the trade deadline taking place on Tuesday, Nov. 1, there are teams that could be in the market for a running back. These three teams should at least make a call to the Cowboys about Elliott.
Let’s preface by saying it’s very unlikely that the Cowboys will actually deal Elliott, but let’s play along.
Teams the Cowboys should offload Ezekiel Elliott to: 3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense has been a gigantic disappointment, despite the talent around them. While quarterback Tom Brady has not looked like himself this season, the running game is without a doubt the worst in the league.
Following their Week 8 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, the Buccaneers have averaged just 61.9 rushing yards per game and 3.0 yards per carry, ranking at the bottom of the entire league. Not only that, but the Buccaneers do not have a single 20-plus yard run this year. These numbers can be credited partially to the offensive line being banged up.
While adding Elliott would not exactly make up for the lack of protection at the line of scrimmage, the Buccaneers need to extend the championship window for Brady. Plus, the Buccaneers could thrive with a one-two-punch of Leonard Fournette and Elliott.