During the witching hour of the first day of NFL free agency, the Cincinnati Bengals agreed to terms with free agent running back Zack Moss. Cincinnati plans to ink Moss after the Utah product averaged a healthy 4.5 yards per rush attempt since the start of the 2022 season. Among other teams interested in Moss’ services was the Dallas Cowboys. However, according to Dallas Morning News’ Michael Gehlken, the Cowboys opted to pass on Moss after the price went “past their comfort point.”
Moss signed a two-year, $8 million deal with the Bengals. Meanwhile, Dallas lost their top running back from last season via free agency. Tony Pollard, who spent the past five seasons with the Cowboys, plans to sign a three-year, $24 million deal with the Tennessee Titans.
Dallas Cowboys: Bow Out of Zack Moss Sweepstakes
Dallas Cowboys fans seemed none too pleased with the team, citing financial reasons for not offering Zack Moss in free agency. With Moss no longer an option, the Cowboys will look elsewhere for Tony Pollard’s replacement. It is worth noting that it is unknown whether the price tag itself was too steep or if the Cowboys viewed Moss’ desired contract as too much.
Cowboys were in the mix today for RB Zack Moss, a person familiar with the discussions said. Ultimately, the price extended past their comfort point. Moss agreed with Bengals on a two-year, $8 million contract that includes $4.525 in earnings this year.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) March 12, 2024
Moss was one of many running backs to ink a contract on Monday. Alongside Moss and Pollard, the Philadelphia Eagles agreed to terms with Saquon Barkley, DeAndre Swift will head to the Chicago Bears, and Devin Singletary will play for the New York Giants in 2024. Barkley agreed to a three-year, $37 million deal, while Swift will play on an agreement nearly identical to Pollard’s with the Titans (three-year, $24 million). Meanwhile, Singletary earned a three-year, $16.5 million contract.
Cowboys: Looking for New Lead Rusher for Next Season
Former NFL rushing leader and Tennessee Titans star Derrick Henry remains one of the top running backs in free agency. According to Sports Illustrated, the running back should earn a contract worth $9 million annually, well over what Moss received from the Cincinnati Bengals. However, Henry has been one of the best running backs in NFL history. The Cowboys could also make a play for the recently released Aaron Jones, formerly of the Green Bay Packers.
Dallas will need to replace the services of Tony Pollard, who signed with the Tennessee Titans on Monday. After a Pro Bowl 2022 season, Pollard struggled as the feature back with the Cowboys last year. He rushed for 1,005 yards and six touchdowns on only 4.0 yards per attempt. He also averaged his lowest receiving yards per game since 2020.
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