Last Monday marked the opening of the NFL’s free agency period. So far, three former Memphis Tigers have found new homes and have signed deals with new teams.
What does a change of scenery mean for Tony Pollard, Bryce Huff, and Antonio Gibson?
Tony Pollard, RB (Memphis 2015-18)
Dallas Cowboys ->Tennessee Titans (3 years, $24 million)
The 2023 season was supposed to be a big one for Pollard, his first season as a leadback in the NFL. Although he ran for 1,005 yards and six touchdowns, it seems he lost a step. He was not as explosive or efficient as he had been in previous years, averaging only four yards per carry. That said, he still received a pretty hefty contract for a player at his position, meaning the league still values his skill set.
It’s a fun storyline for Pollard to return to his home state, but I question the fit here. In the 2023 draft, the Titans spent a third-round pick on former Tulane running back Tyjae Spears (a familiar name for Memphis fans), who had an incredibly efficient rookie season. Spears was next in line to take over for the Titans with legendary running back Derrick Henry expected to leave the franchise. With the addition of Pollard, look for the two to split snaps. The problem? Their skill sets are a little redundant. If Pollard has lost a step, as I fear, the Titans may force him into a limited role in favor of second-year stud Tyjae Spears.
Bryce Huff, EDGE (Memphis 2016-19)
New York Jets -> Philadelphia Eagles (3 years, $51.1 million)
Huff has quietly been one of the best rotational pass rushers in the league. His 86.8 PFF pass-rush grade is good for 9th at his position. For context, the best pass rushers in the league play between 800-1,100 snaps per year. Huff, however, played about half that at 481 snaps, which is good for 74th at the position. I point this out not to knock Huff but to highlight his specialized, passing-down-centric skillset. His sizeable contract becomes even more impressive when looking at his limited snap count.
The Memphis faithful can take incredible pride in Huff becoming a heavily sought-after free agent after going undrafted in 2020. The NFL’s free agency period and the draft could change this following fact. However, as it stands, Huff will continue to be a rotational pass rusher at 500 or so snaps per year. The Eagle’s depth chart at edge currently has Brandon Graham (36 years old yet still effective), Josh Sweat, Haason Reddick (rumored to be traded), and Nolan Smith (2023 first-round pick).
Antonio Gibson, RB (Memphis 2018-19)
Washington Commanders -> New England Patriots (3 years, $11.25 million)
Gibson had an incredible first two years in the league, totaling 2,300 yards and 21 touchdowns. Unfortunately, he has been limited to a receiving-back role in the past two seasons. With how easy it is to find good runners late in the draft, Gibson’s market as a pure runner is not there. Luckily, he’s been one of the better-receiving backs in his four-year career.
The Patriots running back room includes two power backs: Rhamondre Stevenson and Ezekiel Elliot. If this depth chart stays the same, Gibson will have a heavy third-down workload, as those two are not the receivers he is.
