In a surprising move during the 2024 NFL draft, the Dallas Cowboys chose not to address their need at the running back position, opting not to select a running back despite losing their 2023 starter, Tony Pollard, in free agency. This decision raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.
However, there was a growing expectation that the Cowboys would eventually re-sign their longtime starter, Ezekiel Elliott, following the draft. These rumors quickly turned into reality, as it became apparent that a reunion between Elliott and the Cowboys was imminent. Elliott, who holds the distinction of being the franchise’s third leading rusher, is now going through the necessary steps, including a physical, before officially re-signing with the team.
Leading up to this reunion, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones publicly praised Elliott’s abilities and expressed confidence in his continued high-level performance. Now, it appears that the veteran running back will continue his career in Dallas, solidifying the Cowboys’ backfield.
Despite the Dallas Cowboys’ decision not to address their running back need during the draft and free agency, they did make a signing during the undrafted free agency period by adding Missouri running back Nathaniel Peat. However, this signing is not expected to have a significant impact, and it seems clear that Ezekiel Elliott was the team’s primary plan for the position.
Elliott returns to the Cowboys after spending one year as the backup to Rhamondre Stevenson with the New England Patriots. He had limited opportunities until Stevenson suffered an injury, which allowed Elliott to showcase his abilities in the last five games of the season. During that stretch, he scored four of his eight touchdowns and had at least 15 touches in each game.
However, Elliott’s efficiency was noticeably lower, averaging just 2.9 yards per carry. While some of this can be attributed to a struggling offensive scheme and a subpar quarterback situation in New England, it is clear that Elliott’s best days are behind him. In the 2023 season, he posted his lowest career yards per carry at 3.5 and had a career-low long run of just 17 yards.
Despite his declining production, the Cowboys have a strong affinity for Elliott, and he shares a close bond with quarterback Dak Prescott. As a result, he will likely be welcomed back and is favored to be the team’s starting running back. However, Dallas has a crowded and relatively mediocre backfield, with other options such as Rico Dowdle, Malik Davis, Deuce Vaughn, and recently signed veteran Royce Freeman.
While Elliott may still contribute significantly in the red zone, where he has excelled in recent years, his role is expected to be part of a running back committee rather than being a workhorse back. His production has declined in three of the last four seasons, indicating that he may not be able to handle a heavy workload.
It’s worth noting that Elliott’s return has come at the expense of other roster moves, as his dead cap hit was cited as a reason for the team’s inability to retain All-Pro left tackle Tyron Smith.
In summary, while Elliott’s best years may be behind him, the Cowboys value his presence and see him as the best option among their current running backs. However, his role is likely to be part of a committee, and he is expected to contribute primarily in the red zone.
The return of Ezekiel Elliott to the Dallas Cowboys comes with a significant financial commitment from the team. They will have a little over $6 million on their books from when they released Elliott in 2023, in addition to the reported $3 million he will earn on his new contract.
While this move may not be viewed as the optimal high-level solution for the Cowboys, it was a development that had been anticipated, especially after the team did not select a running back during the draft. The two sides wasted no time in reaching an agreement to bring Elliott back to the franchise that originally drafted him.
Elliott’s return to the Cowboys adds another twist to what has already been an unusual offseason for the team. The circumstances surrounding his release and subsequent re-signing, along with the team’s decision not to address the running back position earlier, have contributed to the unpredictability of their offseason moves.