Paying him is not the problem. Forcing or influencing carries is. They over paid for Zeke, but are getting Pollard at a discount so it balances out. Signing another young RB, is also smart business. Overpaying for Zeke, and then not getting the most out of the cheaper option is backasswards. They should be trying to get the most value out of all of their assets.
Paying him is what is influencing the carries though.