Source: Titans giving ex-Cowboys RB Tony Pollard 3-year deal

The Tennessee Titans have signed former Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard to a three-year, $24 million contract, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Monday.

Pollard's arrival means free agent running back Derrick Henry is unlikely to return after eight seasons with the Titans.

Pollard has had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, but his progression to 1,005 yards in 2023 has been much more difficult than his Pro Bowl campaign in 2022, when he rushed for 1,007.

Pollard, who turns 27 on April 30, had just one 100-yard game last season after posting four in 2022. He fractured his ankle in the 2022 playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers, but was able to return to training camp and did not. missed a game last season.

His production was steady, but Dallas' running game wasn't as productive as in the past. He played last season with a $10.1 million franchise tag and was never close to signing a long-term deal with the Cowboys.

During his first three years, he served as Ezekiel Elliott's backup, although he gradually earned more playing time due to his ability to make big plays. Pollard has 31 carries of at least 10 yards in 2022, but only 21 last season.

Pollard is also solid as a receiver out of the backfield. He caught a career-high 55 passes in 2023 for 311 yards, after catching 39 passes for 371 yards and three scores in 2022.

Pollard's departure leaves the Cowboys without a primary running back, as top backup Rico Dowdle is also an unrestricted free agent. The Cowboys can look to free agency for help, but don't want to pay big money on the spot after doing so to Pollard last year and Elliott before that. The project might be the most likely option.

ESPN's Todd Archer contributed to this report.