The reunion between Ezekiel Elliott and the Dallas Cowboys has not gone according to plan. Once the face of the franchise’s backfield, Elliott’s return to Dallas has been far from the spectacular comeback many envisioned when he signed a one-year deal in 2024. With his underwhelming performance this season, many are now speculating that Elliott’s time with the Cowboys will likely come to an end after this year.
Elliott’s Underwhelming Return
Elliott, who signed a six-year, $90 million contract in 2019 before being released in 2023, returned to Dallas on a one-year, $2 million contract this season after a year with the New England Patriots. However, the three-time Pro Bowler has struggled to find his old form, posting just 193 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 61 carries. His 3.2 yards per carry is a career-low, further diminishing his once-dominant presence in the Cowboys’ backfield.
Elliott has become what ESPN’s Bill Barnwell calls “a replacement-level back,” with his production continuing to decline for the fourth consecutive season. His lack of impact has been apparent in Dallas, especially with the emergence of Rico Dowdle as the team’s primary running back. Dowdle, who is also heading into free agency, has made a significant leap this year, totaling 731 rushing yards and three touchdowns, in addition to 33 receptions for 205 yards and three touchdowns.
Offseason Decisions: Will the Cowboys Move On from Elliott?
As the 2024 season winds down, the Cowboys are faced with a tough decision regarding Elliott’s future in Dallas. The veteran running back is set to be a free agent once again, and it’s unclear whether the Cowboys will offer him a new deal or look to completely revamp their running back group. With Dowdle emerging as a viable option, the Cowboys could move in a new direction.
Barnwell’s analysis suggests that Elliott is likely to be let go, as the Cowboys are in need of an upgrade at running back. “Elliott and Kendricks, the two veteran free agents they signed during their all-in spring, probably are going to move on,” Barnwell wrote. The team’s future at running back could hinge on the decisions made this offseason, with Dowdle also potentially being a candidate for a contract extension. If the Cowboys can retain Dowdle, they might opt to shift away from Elliott in favor of youth and stability.
Elliott’s Troubling Relationship with the Cowboys
It hasn’t been just Elliott’s declining performance on the field that has raised concerns. The running back has been involved in several off-field issues, including a suspension earlier this season. In November, Elliott was suspended by the Cowboys for a disciplinary issue ahead of their game against the Atlanta Falcons. The move, which was described as building for some time, signaled that the relationship between Elliott and the team was less than ideal.
In addition to his struggles on the field, this suspension added fuel to the fire of speculation that Elliott’s time in Dallas could be short-lived. Even with his lengthy tenure with the team, it seems the Cowboys are now looking to move forward without him.
Looking Ahead: Possible Draft Move
As the Cowboys look toward the 2025 NFL draft, the possibility of bringing in a new running back looms large. With their eyes set on bolstering the offense, the Cowboys are one of the teams linked to Boise State’s star running back Ashton Jeanty. The versatile back could provide the explosiveness and playmaking ability the Cowboys have been missing from their running game. CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson recently mocked Jeanty to the Cowboys with the No. 12 pick, speculating that he could be the kind of game-changing back the franchise needs to take its offense to the next level.
“Is Ashton Jeanty a luxury pick? That depends; were Bijan Robinson or Jahmyr Gibbs luxury picks?” Wilson pondered. “Because Jeanty is that type of impact back. He hasn’t been used nearly as much in the pass game, but that doesn’t mean he can’t do it.”
With the NFL draft approaching, the Cowboys’ decision on Elliott’s future could shape their approach to the draft and free agency. Should they choose to move on from Elliott, they will likely prioritize finding a long-term solution to their running back dilemma, with Jeanty potentially being a key part of that plan.
Conclusion
While Elliott’s return to Dallas was met with optimism, his diminished production and off-field issues have led many to believe that his time with the Cowboys is nearing its end. The emergence of Rico Dowdle and the team’s need to upgrade at the running back position could push Elliott out the door. With the Cowboys still fighting for playoff positioning in 2024, their offseason decisions regarding Elliott will be critical in shaping the team’s future. As for Elliott, he will likely find himself seeking a fresh start elsewhere, and his legacy with the Cowboys could ultimately be defined by what could have been.
