It has been less than nine months since Ezekiel Elliott signed with the New England Patriots and the running back is already set for a stunning return to the Dallas Cowboys. Reports surfaced this week that the Cowboys would be reuniting with Elliott on a one-year deal.
Elliott and the Cowboys have a long relationship that dates back to 2016 when the organization drafted the former Ohio State running back with the fourth overall pick in the draft.
Dallas was in desperate need of a running back after losing Tony Pollard to the Tennessee Titans and failing to draft a replacement in the 2024 NFL Draft. The decision to turn to Elliott makees sense considering they will be able to lock him up on a deal that will cost them less than $3 million per year.
“This was my priority. Doing what I could do to get back here,” said Elliot per the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “I have a lot left to accomplish here. I’m excited to get back with the fellas and chase that ring.”
Ezekiel Elliott: My priority was doing what I could to return to the Cowboys. https://t.co/2SHexSzSJX
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) April 30, 2024
Ezekiel Elliott is saying all the right things but it remains to be seen whether he can reach the previous highs he achieved with the organization. Over seven season in Texas, Elliot rushed for 8262 yards on 1881 carries and averaged 4.4 yards per attempt. He started 102 games for the franchise and recorded 80 total touchdowns over that stretch. Elliot was named a Pro Bowler on three occasions duing his time with Dallas and also led the league in rushing yards in 2016 and 2018.
The 28-year-old finished last season with just 642 rushing yards over 17 games and had a career low 3.5 yards per attempt.
