Saquon vs. Pollard: Could Cowboys Sign Free Agent RB?
NFL running backs such as Tony Pollard of the Dallas Cowboys and Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants felt so wronged by the system a year ago, especially with regard to their $10 million franchise tags, that they attempted to organize a text-chain protest group.
Naturally, it didn’t work out since rules are rules. Additionally, they signed up for this “screw job” through their union, the NFLPA. It’s about to
happen again right now. Pollard, on the other hand, is concentrated on the Cowboys and the NFL playoffs, beginning with Green Bay’s visit on Sunday.
In Barkley’s case? With nothing left to play for, he said he is “numb” to the idea of another franchise tag … and maybe another year with a bad
Giants team. A game of Musical Chairs is coming. Tag Barkley and Pollard again? That’ll cost their teams $12.4 million this time around. Barkley is talking as if his New York run might be over.
“If it is my last game playing here – if it is – it was a fun six years,” Barkley said Sunday. “Made a lot of great memories, but it’s not like the last time I’m ever playing football.”
And what is Dallas supposed to be discussing? Perhaps keeping Pollard on staff. Perhaps looking into less costly options (some of which are already on the roster). Perhaps chasing Saquon Barkley?
The approaching 27th birthdays of Pollard and Barkley play a role in the decision to offer running backs long-term contracts.
Is Barkley a better player than Pollard, though? Is Pollard’s “fit”—both within the system and the locker room—more valuable than others?
We think Barkley is “better” than Pollard in a vacuum. Perhaps after the playoffs, people’s perceptions of Pollard—a great player and guy—will shift.
But from a New York perspective? Barkley interprets his “numbness” as “unhappiness.”
That was done a year ago. Barkley remarked of the tag, “So, I’m numb to it.” “I have absolutely no sentiments about that. If you intend to proceed,
please do not wait until March 5. Please just finish it. If not, please release me. Easy.” Our recommendation is this: If the Giants “let him walk,”
they probably won’t want him to go to their bitter rivals in Dallas.
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