Running back Ezekiel Elliott is one of the best players in the storied history of the Dallas Cowboys. Originally selected with the fourth-overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, the Ohio State product helped guide the team to the playoffs as a rookie while leading the league in yards per game in each of his first three seasons. After signing a massive extension before the 2019 season, Elliott slowly but surely saw his efficiency decrease through the 2022 season. Tony Pollard unofficially took over as the top running back in 2022, and Elliott departed to join the New England Patriots in 2023.
However, after a one-year hiatus, Ezekiel Elliott and the Cowboys could reunite in 2024. Tony Pollard did not play up to expectations in 2023, as his efficiency took a nosedive as a three-down back. The former fourth-round pick signed a new deal with the Tennessee Titans, leaving the Cowboys without a proven option atop their depth chart.
As one of the least active teams on the open market, the Dallas Cowboys might have to turn back to Ezekiel Elliott. While he’s not the player he once was, the homegrown talent proved he still has something left in his tank following his one-year stint in New England. According to Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News, the Cowboys could bring back the familiar face for the 2024 season.
Dalvin Cook and Ezekiel Elliott have interest in signing with the #Cowboys, per @GehlkenNFL pic.twitter.com/75jwjLXSHF
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 27, 2024
Ezekiel Elliott Could Return to Dallas Cowboys In Free Agency
Even if the Cowboys sign Ezekiel Elliott, he’s not going to be anything more than a short-term fix to the position. Now entering his age-29 season, the former Pro Bowler has slowed down a bit but can still work as a short-yardage guy who can bounce off contact on interior runs. Due to a poor crop of running backs in the NFL Draft, this could be enough to make Elliott the primary start for most of the 2024 season.
Due to the physical nature of the position, running backs are always one snap away from a season-ending injury. While this is grim, it means Elliott will earn an opportunity with some team in 2024. Whether it’s as a high-end backup or a spot starter, the following teams could sign Ezekiel Elliott if the Cowboys take too long to make their move.
Other Possible Fits
Buffalo Bills
James Cook proved he can handle a starting workload in 2023. Appearing in all 17 games, the former second-round pick earned a Pro Bowl appearance while recording 1,122 rushing yards on 237 attempts. However, he only scored two touchdowns. While some of that is due to Josh Allen’s dominance of the red zone, the fact of the matter is that Cook is only 190 pounds and isn’t built for short-yardage running. Ezekiel Elliott is still a muscular back and could be an ideal red-zone runner, just like he was during his final years with the Cowboys.
New York Giants
The New York Giants will need more than just Devin Singletary to replace Saquon Barkley. While the running back had a great year with Houston, he’s not much of a short-yardage runner. It will be weird to see Ezekiel Elliott in a Giants jersey after all his years with the Cowboys, but the fit makes plenty of sense.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens spent up on Derrick Henry, but they don’t have a Plan B in the event age catches up with the running back. Sharing a backfield with Lamar Jackson will make any running back more efficient, and Ezekiel Elliott has a similar, north-south running style to Henry. While the present-day version of Elliott is nowhere near as good as Henry, he could be a solid Gus Edwards replacement.
Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh is obsessed with building a run-first offense, and that starts with getting more than one reliable running back. Gus Edwards is fine in a committee role, but he shouldn’t be a full-time three-down player. Pairing him with Ezekiel Elliott should bring out the best in both players and the former Cowboys running back should welcome the opportunity to play in a Greg Roman offense.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are stuck with Miles Sanders, but he doesn’t have to be their starter. The former Eagle was terrible by just about every metric last year, and it’s time for some new life. Carolina improved the offensive line and wide receiver positions in free agency, so now it’s time to upgrade the backfield. Ezekiel Elliott helped Dak Prescott during his early years with the Cowboys, and now he can do the same for Bryce Young.
Main Photo: Jamie Germano – USA Today Sports
