Tennessee Titans sign Dallas Cowboys RB Tony Pollard: Grading decision

Titans sign Tony Pollard to replace Derrick Henry, paying him $24 million over three years. Expect him to split reps with Spears.

The Tennessee Titans have made a significant move in NFL free agency by signing former Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard as a replacement for Derrick Henry. The Titans have committed $24 million over three years to Pollard, making him one of the top 10 highest-paid running backs in the league. Despite being 27 years old, Pollard has rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of the last two seasons and offers a fresh set of legs compared to other veteran backs available.

Pollard is expected to share playing time with Tyjae Spears, rather than taking on a primary starting role. This decision reflects Coach Brian Callahan's strategy to utilize multiple running backs in the Titans' offense. While Pollard may not be the clear RB1, his versatility in both rushing and receiving makes him a valuable addition to the team.

The signing of Pollard makes sense for the Titans for several reasons. He has roots in Memphis, where he played high school and college football, creating a sense of homecoming. Additionally, Pollard's dual-threat abilities as a runner and receiver align with the Titans' emphasis on versatile running backs. His success in splitting carries with Ezekiel Elliott in Dallas suggests that he can thrive in a shared backfield with Spears.

However, there are some drawbacks to the signing of Pollard. Investing significant money in a part-time rusher raises questions about the team's financial allocation. The Titans could have explored more cost-effective options at running back to address other needs on offense and defense. Despite these concerns, Pollard's potential to contribute both in rushing and receiving provides a strong rationale for the signing.

In conclusion, the Titans' decision to bring in Tony Pollard signals a shift towards a more dynamic and interchangeable running back system. While the financial commitment to the position may seem high, Pollard's skill set and fit within the team's offensive scheme justify the move. As the Titans transition into a new era under Coach Callahan, the addition of Pollard adds depth and flexibility to their backfield rotation.