Vincent Frank
The Dallas Cowboys’ decision to release longtime running back Ezekiel Elliott earlier in the offseason wasn’t too much of a surprise. Combine the regression Dallas has seen with Zeke in recent years and his high salary, and it made sense to cut ties.
Despite this, Dallas’ brass has not closed the door on a potential return of Elliott next season. Even after selecting Deuce Vaughn in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, owner Jerry Jones kept open the possibility that Elliott could return.
“That ship hasn’t sailed yet. We haven’t made a decision. Nothing we did today changes that,” Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones to reporters after the draft.
Now comes this note from Clarence Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram indicating that a return to Big D is unlikely for Elliott. The Cowboys insider notes that Elliott has a “couple of options he’s planning to pursue, and a return to the Cowboys is unlikely.”
Dallas placed the franchise tag on fellow running back Tony Pollard back in March and is open to extending its leading rusher from a season ago. Said tag comes in at north of $10 million, meaning Elliott’s departure wasn’t too much of a surprise from a financial standpoint.
The Cowboys also like what they have in young backs Malik Davis and Rico Dowdle in addition to the presence of the aforementioned Vaughn. Right now, the running back room is extremely filled. Signing veteran Ronald Jones earlier in the spring adds another layer to this.
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If not the Dallas Cowboys, what is next for Ezekiel Elliott?
Elliott had listed a number of teams he’d be interested in joining next season. That included the Philadelphia Eagles, Cincinnati Bengals and Buffalo Bills.
As of right now, it seems that none of the three are realistic options for the former Pro Bowler. Philadelphia acquired D’Andre Swift from the Detroit Lions during the 2023 NFL Draft and signed Rashaad Penny earlier in the offseason.
Cincinnati has opted to retain RB1 Joe Mixon after rumors that the team could move off him. The Bengals also selected former Illinois running back Chase Brown in the fifth round of the draft and rosters Trayveon Williams. As for the Bills, they picked up Damien Harris and Latavius Murray in free agency to pair with youngster James Cook.
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Elliott, 27, is probably seen as more of a short-yardage guy at this stage in his career. He averaged a mere 3.8 yards per rush last season but was able to score 12 touchdowns on the ground.
The New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs and Carolina Panthers are all contending teams who could show interest in Ezekiel Elliott as the offseason progresses.
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