Reports: Tony Pollard officially signs franchise tag with Cowboys, McKinley returns

According to ESPN’s Todd Archer, Cowboys running back Tony Pollard has officially signed the franchise tag earning him $10.091 million this season. Pollard and the team now have until July 17 to negotiate a long-term extension.

Pollard had his best season last year and has progressively improved since being drafted in the fourth round in 2019. Last season, Pollard rushed for 1,007 yards and nine touchdowns on 193 carries. He found more significant time on the field toward the end of last season, making just four starts. Now with Ezekiel Elliott no longer in the fold at running back, Pollard is set to become the lone feature back.

Pollard, 25, is entering his fifth season in the NFL, all with Dallas. He is recovering from a high ankle sprain he suffered in the NFC Divisional round against the San Francisco 49ers; however, he should be ready for camp.

The Cowboys have also reportedly re-signed edge rusher Takk McKinley to a one-year deal. McKinley was signed late last season, reuniting with former head coach Dan Quinn, who drafted McKinley in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He spent the majority of last season on the practice squad and did not play a snap last season for Dallas.

McKinley, 27, has 20 sacks in his six-year career in the league. Between injuries and inconsistent play, McKinley has struggled to find stability in the NFL.

Dallas also signed long snapper Trent Sieg, who spent five years with the Las Vegas Raiders before signing. The Cowboys lost former long snapper Jake McQuaide to the Detroit Lions and needed someone to fill the role.

Sieg, 27, was an undrafted free agent out of Colorado State in 2018.