The Dallas Cowboys are going to have to find at least one running back in NFL free agency moving forward this offseason.
Pro Bowler Tony Pollard signed with the Tennessee Titans earlier in March. This leaves Rico Dowdle (361 yards) and Deuce Vaughn (40 yards) as the Cowboys’ leading returning rushers from a season ago.
Shockingly inactive thus far in free agency, the Cowboys are going to have to dip into the market. They’ll likely also need to add a rookie somewhat early in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The good news? There are several options remaining as it relates to veteran running backs on the free agent market. With Dallas expected to employ a committee approach behind quarterback Dak Prescott in the backfield, it makes sense to add a veteran.
Related: Surprising update on Dak Prescott contract situation with the Dallas Cowboys
Ezekiel Elliott interested in returning to the Dallas Cowboys
Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News reported on Tuesday that Elliott has interest in signing with the Cowboys after spending last season with the New England Patriots. Whether the ‘Boys are interested remains to be seen.
“Team owner Jerry Jones and executive vice president Stephen Jones told The Dallas Morning News this week at the NFL’s annual meeting they could neither confirm nor deny interest in the running backs,” report on potential interest in Ezekiel Elliott.
The report also noted that former Minnesota Vikings Pro Bowler Dalvin Cook is also interested in Dallas after splitting time between the New York Jets and Baltimore Ravens a season ago.
As for Elliott, he spent his first seven seasons with the Cowboys after they made him a top-four pick in the 2016 NFL Draft out of Ohio State.
The three-time Pro Bowler put up his best performance with Dallas as a rookie back in 2016, tallying 1,994 total yards and 16 touchdowns. All said, Elliott averaged 1,351 rushing yards in his first four seasons with Dallas. He struggled to the tune of less than 1,000 yards on average in his final three seasons with the ‘Boys.
Related: 10 teams that did the worst in NFL free agency, including the Dallas Cowboys
At 28, Zeke does seem to be a shell of his former self. Last season in New England saw him put up 642 rushing yards at a clip of 3.5 yards per attempt.
At the very least, he could act as a short-yardage option if the Cowboys wanted to renew this marriage after a one-year hiatus.