New England Patriots: 3 dream trade ideas with the Dallas Cowboys in 2023

Tony Pollard - RB

Most would argue the Patriots do not need another running back right now, especially with the season Rhamondre Stevenson is projected to have. But because of the question marks surrounding the younger backs behind him, Pierre Strong Jr. and Kevin Harris, there's a need to add another competent runner that would pair nicely with Stevenson.

And that's where Tony Pollard comes in.

The rise of Pollard in recent years is a significant reason why the Cowboys chose to move on from their former top-ranked running back, Ezekiel Elliott, earlier this year.

The 26-year-old has always been a great backup to Elliott since arriving in Dallas in 2019 but stepped up to the plate over the last two years when Elliott was down with injury or not performing to his usual standards.

Pollard really made a name for himself during the 2022 season, where he totaled 193 carries for 1,007 yards and nine touchdowns on top of 39 receptions for 371 yards and three more scores. With the up-and-down year that Elliott was having, Pollard became the saving grace for Dak Prescott and the Cowboys' offense, who were very much in need of a genuine threat on the ground.

Because of his versatility and reliability at the position, adding him to the Patriots' offense would be a complete no-brainer. Imagining him and Stevenson dominating defenses on the ground and in the passing game is enough to want Bill Belichick actually to get this trade done.

The good thing is it may be unlikely to happen this season, even though this piece discusses trades for the 2023 season. But it is certainly possible next year, as Pollard will be a free agent in 2024.