The Dallas Cowboys have reached an agreement with Ezekiel Elliott, bringing him back into the fold after his departure in March of 2023. The deal comes after discussions between Elliott, his agent, and the Cowboys, with owner Jerry Jones expressing confidence in Elliott’s abilities as an NFL starter. This move signals a reunion between the longtime Dallas running back and the team he’s been associated with for seven seasons.
Following his release from the Cowboys, Elliott signed a one-year deal with the New England Patriots in August of 2023. While with the Patriots, he shared the backfield with Rhamondre Stevenson, accumulating 642 rushing yards and three touchdowns over the course of 17 games.
Despite these figures being career lows for Elliott, his return to Dallas fills a void left by Tony Pollard’s departure in free agency, providing the Cowboys with an experienced option in the running game.
Elliott’s return to the Cowboys coincides with a need for a proven veteran presence in their running back room. Alongside Elliott, the team currently boasts Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, Royce Freeman, and Malik Davis on its roster. With Elliott ranking third on the Cowboys’ all-time rushing yards list, his familiarity with the team’s system and his track record of success add depth and stability to their running game.
As Elliott reclaims his role in the Cowboys’ offense, expectations are high for the impact he can make on the field. With his established rapport with the team and his history of production, Dallas looks to leverage Elliott’s talents to bolster their ground attack and pursue success in the upcoming season.