FRISCO — The Cowboys have $10.09 million tied to Tony Pollard’s franchise tag. Ezekiel Elliott counts $5.8 million against their 2023 salary cap and another $6.04 million in 2024.
If they feel like committing more money to the running back position, they are in luck.
The Minnesota Vikings reportedly plan to release Dalvin Cook in a move that could come as early as Friday. With all due respect to the four-time Pro Bowler, the Cowboys seem an unlikely fit. To follow Elliott’s release by investing in a running back with substantial mileage would be like buying a timeshare, regretting it and buying a second for peace of mind.
Young and cheap is the most sensible direction now.
The first question McCarthy was asked Thursday during his news conference related to Cook’s anticipated release.
“Didn’t realize that happened,” McCarthy said. “I think, like on all of these things, from a personal respect, I have great respect for his game. Player acquisitions, it goes on 365 days a year. I don’t really have any comment on anybody outside of our roster.”
Since parting with Elliott, the Cowboys signed 25-year-old Ronald Jones to a veteran minimum contract and drafted Deuce Vaughn in the sixth round. They continue to rehab Pollard from a leg fracture he suffered in a January playoff loss while developing Malik Davis and Rico Dowdle.
Davis made a strong impression as an undrafted rookie.
Dowdle earned a 53-man roster spot over Davis but suffered a Week 5 ankle injury that ended his season.
“Yeah, let’s not forget what Rico did when he played,” McCarthy said. “He and Malik are very similar. They’re two young backs, and when they got their opportunities, they produced. He had the hip injury [in 2021], and he’s fully recovered. That will be a very competitive room.”
Without Cook.
Twitter: @GehlkenNFL
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