As the NFL offseason heats up, a few teams are already staring down the barrel of a major need at running back - and three of them stand out: the Washington Commanders, Seattle Seahawks, and Houston Texans. Each franchise is entering 2026 with questions in the backfield, and each could be eyeing a proven veteran to stabilize the position.
One name that could be on the move? Tony Pollard.
Let’s start in Seattle, where the situation is surprisingly fluid. Kenneth Walker - yes, the same Kenneth Walker who just earned Super Bowl MVP honors - is set to hit free agency.
And according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Seahawks won’t be using the franchise tag to keep him off the market. That’s a bold move considering Walker’s postseason heroics, but it opens the door for a potential shake-up in the backfield.
Enter Tony Pollard.
Pollard has quietly been one of the most consistent backs in the league over the past four seasons. We’re talking four straight years of 1,000+ rushing yards, with a steady stream of 1,288 to 1,378 scrimmage yards annually.
He’s also chipped in between five and six touchdowns in each of the last three seasons - solid, if not spectacular, production. But here’s the thing: that consistency came while playing for a Titans team that went 3-14 in both 2024 and 2025.
His numbers weren’t inflated by a high-powered offense - they were earned the hard way.
Now, with Tennessee in full rebuild mode around rookie quarterback Cam Ward, Pollard’s $9.25 million cap hit could become a luxury they decide they can live without. Cutting him would save $7.25 million and give the Titans more flexibility to build around their new signal-caller. And while Pollard is still effective, he’ll turn 29 in April, and some of the advanced metrics - like his lowest average speed (12.05 mph) and lowest rate of 15+ mph runs (11.6%) - suggest a slight decline.
Still, this is a versatile, battle-tested back who brings a lot to the table: explosive running, dependable hands in the passing game, and the ability to hold his own in pass protection. He’s not just a runner - he’s a three-down asset.
If Pollard does hit the open market, Seattle makes a ton of sense. Pairing him with Zach Charbonnet could create a dynamic one-two punch, with Charbonnet handling the between-the-tackles grind and short-yardage work, while Pollard plays the role of versatile playmaker. In fact, Pollard might even be a better fit than Walker, given his more well-rounded skill set.
Over in Washington, the backfield is in flux. The Commanders have four running backs set to hit free agency, including Chris Rodriguez, Austin Ekeler, and Jeremy McNichols - all of whom had their moments, but none of whom locked down the job.
With Jacory Croskey-Merritt returning, Washington could be in the market for a veteran to pair with him. Pollard would not only be a significant upgrade, but he could also serve as a mentor to Croskey-Merritt, who shares some similarities in his playing style.
Then there’s Houston, where the situation is perhaps the most urgent. Joe Mixon missed all of last season with a foot injury and is a likely cut candidate.
That leaves the Texans with a young, unproven group led by Woody Marks and Jawhar Jordan. Adding a veteran presence like Pollard would do wonders for this group - and more importantly, it would take some heat off **C.J.
Stroud**, who’s already shown flashes of stardom. A back like Pollard gives you flexibility, reliability, and a safety valve in both the run and pass game.
There’s no guarantee the Titans will move on from Pollard. With $104 million in cap space, Tennessee isn’t exactly strapped for cash.
And keeping Pollard would offer some continuity for Cam Ward as he adjusts to the NFL. But if they do decide to move on, there are teams ready to pounce.
If we’re playing matchmaker, Seattle feels like the best fit. Charbonnet can handle the grind, and Pollard can do the rest - burst plays, third downs, screen passes, you name it. It’s a pairing that could keep the Seahawks’ offense humming, even if Walker walks.
Bottom line: Pollard may not be the flashiest name on the market, but he’s the kind of steady, versatile back that can elevate an offense. And for a few teams looking to take the next step, he might just be the missing piece.