Mailbag: Add Veteran WR? Lock Up Pollard Now?

Do you guys assume we ought to be a bit of involved that two of the three anticipated beginning receivers are already nursing some accidents that traditionally have the prospect to linger all season lengthy? I do know the Cowboys are being further cautious proper now, but it surely looks as if we’ve seen this earlier than and it is no secret we’re fairly skinny on the huge receiver place. There are nonetheless some fairly good receivers searching for a job or a brand new group. — MARK SOMMA / GAINESVILLE, VA

Nick: I might prefer to ask you again simply which “fairly good receivers” you are speaking about which can be on the market. Guys I see are like OBJ, Julio Jones and Will Fuller. These guys all have harm historical past as nicely. However yeah, I do not disagree with you that it is OK to fret about this place. And to me, it expands past these summer time setbacks. I do assume James Washington will probably be prepared for camp and Michael Gallup would possibly take a bit of longer. However the chemistry that is being misplaced right here this summer time might be an issue. I feel that is one of many causes Cedrick Wilson had a powerful season – the work he bought with Dak in the summertime. I want Washington had gotten extra of that with Dak. And the identical goes for Tolbert, who missed numerous time. However at this level, I feel you go to camp and see the way it goes. They will add some assist if they do not really feel robust about it when the season will get right here.

Rob: Truly, I am undecided which three gamers you are referring to, as a result of arguably the highest 5 receivers have all handled one thing at varied factors this offseason: CeeDee Lamb (hamstring), Michael Gallup (ACL rehab), Jalen Tolbert (hamstring), James Washington (foot) and Noah Brown (hamstring). Solely Tolbert practiced this week, however as you mentioned, the Cowboys will probably be further cautious this time of 12 months. Gallup is the one participant who’s not anticipated to be prepared for a return in Oxnard. So no, I do not assume there’s an harm concern on the place general. They do have to determine who steps up in Gallup’s place if certainly he isn’t prepared for the beginning of the season, although.

If Tony Pollard has a future with this group, why not signal him to an affordable deal, $3-4 million a 12 months for 2-4 years earlier than he has a giant season? (The common of all NFL working backs based on Spotrac is slightly below $2 million.) Worst-case state of affairs, you re-sign a flexible working again at barely above the league common. — BRYAN WALSH / ELDERSBURG, MD

Nick: Sounds nice besides …. offers are often two-sided. I do not know why his agent would conform to that. Brokers and gamers form of need that “large season” that you just’re referring to. I feel Pollard is hoping to have one other good 12 months and it will open up for a giant payday down the street – perhaps it is from right here. However I simply do not assume it will be one thing that is sensible for Pollard’s camp. Is smart for the Cowboys, however not precisely either side. Now, getting a deal achieved is actually doable however I might think about Pollard’s aspect would wish to mission it out, and possibly ask for a worth vary primarily based on projections, somewhat than manufacturing.

Rob: Not a foul thought in any respect. In the case of questions on extending a participant’s deal early, my reply is all the time, would he essentially wish to do this now? Such as you mentioned, Pollard may need one other profession 12 months if his touches enhance after which would possibly wish to see what the free agent market appears to be like like subsequent spring. May wish to do this anyway after having a diminished function all through his time right here. (He is 25 years outdated with solely 317 profession carries.) However I like the thought as a result of he is a very gifted man.