In a significant shift for the Tennessee Titans, the Derrick Henry era appears to be drawing to a close, heralding the arrival of Tony Pollard, formerly of the Dallas Cowboys, as the new powerhouse in the backfield. Tony Pollard is set to ink a three-year contract with the Titans, valued at $24 million, as reported by CBS Sports HQ senior NFL insider Josina Anderson. This move marks a pivotal transition for Pollard, who, after playing under a $10.1 million franchise tag last season, is taking a slight dip in annual earnings but is likely securing a more substantial guaranteed payout.
Pollard’s new deal places him among the upper echelon of NFL running backs, though it falls short of the annual value commanded by luminaries such as Christian McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara, Jonathan Taylor, Nick Chubb, and Aaron Jones. However, it aligns with the contract recently signed by D’Andre Swift with the Chicago Bears, setting a competitive benchmark in the running back market.
Throughout his four-year tenure with the Dallas Cowboys, Pollard carved out a niche as a dynamic and efficient runner and receiver, despite serving as the understudy to Ezekiel Elliott. His promotion to the starting lineup in 2023 was marred initially by a recovery from a leg fracture that prematurely ended his 2022 campaign. Despite a slow start, Pollard’s performance gained momentum as the season progressed, although his per-touch statistics did not mirror the high standards he previously set.
Distinctly different in style and stature from Derrick Henry, Pollard brings a unique skill set to the Titans’ backfield. Standing at 6 feet and weighing 209 pounds, he contrasts with Henry’s more imposing frame of 6-foot-3 and 247 pounds. Pollard’s proficiency as a pass-catcher is notable, having secured at least 37 receptions in each of the last three seasons, with a career-high of 51 catches last year. His addition is expected to rejuvenate the Titans’ offensive strategy, complementing the talents of 2023 third-round pick Tyjae Spears, and signaling a fresh direction for the team’s ground game.
This strategic acquisition by the Titans not only underscores their commitment to revitalizing their running game but also signals a new chapter for Tony Pollard, poised to make a significant impact in his new role.