Yes. This was discussed by Nixon's lawyers with Alexander Haig. It is a broad statement that presidents can grant pardons. The PR fallout would have been terrible and, to their credit, Nixon and his lawyers recognized the damage that would have been done with a self-pardon.

If you're interested in this, read The Final Days by Woodward & Bernstein. It's a fascinating look at the last 100 days of the Nixon presidency. Nixon even refused to pardon his two top administration men, Haldeman & Ehrlichman. In fact, Haldeman called repeatedly to request a pardon in the days leading up to Nixon's resignation.