In a potential NFL homecoming, sources close to the situation have revealed to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler that the Dallas Cowboys and free agent running back Ezekiel Elliott are exploring a reunion. Elliott, who wrapped up the 2023 season with the New England Patriots, is reportedly in talks with his former team, sparking excitement among fans longing for his return. Could he make a return?
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Elliott’s performance with the Patriots last season, where he rushed for 642 yards and scored three touchdowns, has been a focal point of discussions. Despite a modest start, Elliott demonstrated resilience and skill, particularly in the season’s final five games, amassing 213 rushing yards. This surge in performance, especially during the Patriots’ starting running back Rhamondre Stevenson’s absence due to a high-ankle sprain, has reportedly caught the Cowboys’ attention.
The 27-year-old running back’s tenure with the Cowboys, which ended in 2022, was marked by significant achievements, including 876 rushing yards on 231 carries and 12 touchdowns in his final season with the team. Elliott’s departure was a strategic move by Dallas, aimed at managing salary cap space and making room for rising star Tony Pollard. However, with Pollard’s recent move to the Tennessee Titans, the Cowboys find themselves reassessing their running back lineup. As of now, the Cowboys’ running back roster includes Snoop Connor, Deuce Vaughn, Hunter Leupke, Rico Dowdle, and Malik Davis.
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The potential addition of Elliott could shake up the team’s dynamics and possibly reinstate him as the starting running back, a role he held for six seasons during his initial stint with the team. Elliott, the fourth overall pick by the Cowboys in the 2016 NFL Draft, has left an indelible mark on the league and his team. With three Pro Bowl selections and two NFL rushing titles in his first three seasons, Elliott’s career stats boast 8,904 rushing yards and 71 touchdowns, underscoring his impact on the field.
While discussions between Elliott and the Cowboys are ongoing, financial considerations will play a crucial role in any potential agreement. The Cowboys, with $6.7 million in cap space remaining and a conservative approach in the 2024 free agency so far, are weighing their options carefully. As negotiations continue, the outcome remains uncertain. However, the possibility of Elliott donning the Cowboys’ jersey once more has sparked anticipation and debate among the NFL community.
