Titans Add Tennessee Native Tony Pollard on 3-year deal

© Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Tennessee Titans entered the league's free agent period in a great position with the third most cap space, but they also have some big needs. With the start of free agency, the Titans made a surprising but expected choice to let running back Derrick Henry test free agency. With a need at running back, the Titans added former Dallas Cowboys Tony Pollard to their running back ranks with a three-year deal for $24 million.

Pollard is coming off back-to-back seasons of more than 1,000 all-purpose yards with the Cowboys. Pollard, who spent the last five seasons with the Cowboys, has been a strong factor not only in the run game but in the passing game as well. After earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2022, he had similar numbers in 2023 in his first season as the primary ball carrier for the Cowboys. During his tenure with the Cowboys, Pollard averaged 4.8 yards a carry.

Tony Pollard Comes Home

For Pollard, heading to Tennessee is a homecoming as he is from Memphis and played his college at the University of Memphis. He gets the opportunity to reset in a familiar environment with the Titans. For the Titans, it pairs their young running back Tyjae Spears who the team selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

While it's not the typical approach as Spears and Pollard have similarities in their play styles, the move lines up with the style of offense that new coach Brian Callahan is used to from his time in Cincinnati. It will give the Titans options in the running game that can both contribute as receivers out of the backfield as the Titans expect quarterback Will Levis to take the next step in his development.

Titans Not Done

Next the Titans, still have a lot of room to work under the salary cap and can focus on other areas of need to improve the team. Most notably, Tennessee will need to address the offensive line, wire receiver room, and add weapons for Levis and the offense. Protecting the quarterback is vital regardless and with a young quarterback (Levis was a second-round selection in 2023) the team also added center Lloyd Cushenberry III from Denver to lead the offensive line.

© Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Grade

Overall grade: B. The move will help the offense. While the move pairs runners with similar styles that is out of the ordinary and doesn't compliment either. Pollard will fit into the system that the new coaching staff will bring over from Cincinnati. Both Spears and Pollard should benefit from continued improvements to the offensive line. Adding Cushenberry is big, but there is still work needed along the offensive line for the Titans.