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The Dallas Ezekiel Elliott era came to an end in the offseason when the Dallas Cowboys released the veteran, who had four years left on a massive six-year, $90 million extension he signed in 2019.
Elliott was arguably the worst starting running back in the league last season, finishing last in the NFL in yards per carry (3.8), tackles avoided (32), and percentage of runs that took more than 10 yards (7.4% ). The move was processed as a cut after June 1, and the Cowboys saw $10.9 million in cap relief as a result and will have $5.82 million in dead money left on this year’s cap. He was owed $64.76 million for the remainder of his contract, but there was no guaranteed salary left for his deal.
While the ending for Elliott in Dallas wasn’t a great one, he was one of the best running backs in Cowboys history. Third on the all-time list in rushing yards for the Cowboys (8,262), Elliott rushed for 1,000 yards four times in seven seasons while also reaching double digits in rushing touchdowns four times and earning three Pro Bowl appearances.
Elliott led the NFL in rushing yards per game in three straight seasons (2016-2018) and the league in rushing yards twice (2016, 2018). His rushing yards per game has declined each season due to the number of touches he has accumulated over the course of his career, averaging 58.4 rushing yards per game and 3.8 yards per carry in 2022.
Elliott’s release paved the way for Tony Pollard to become the leading man in Dallas. Pollard ranked first in the NFL in yards per touch (5.9) last season, as he rushed for 1,007 yards and nine touchdowns. This offseason, the Cowboys added Ronald Jones via free agency and Deuce Vaughn via the draft, as well as still have 2022 undrafted free agent Malik Davis on the roster. That trio will likely compete for representatives behind Pollard. As for Zeke, we break down several landing spots that make sense for the 27-year-old back.
Potential landing sites
Dallas Cowboys: Could the Cowboys actually bring Elliott back? They could run to Pollard as backup on a restructured deal and use him primarily in the red zone. Elliott has a lot more value in Dallas with a cheaper contract that isn’t a big hit.
Minnesota Vikings: With the Vikings cut tires with their own old Pro Bowl running back there is an opening for a player to complement Alexander Mattison. However, Minnesota has drafted Ty Chandler and DeWayne McBride for the past two years and still has electric returnman Nene Nwangwu (nominal running back) on the roster. If there was a role for Zeke here, it would probably be a short haul, but we don’t know how interested he or the Vikings would be in that proposition.
Houston Texans: If Elliott still feels he can get an edge in the competition, he doesn’t have to travel far to get that opportunity. Houston has Damion Pierce as a starter, but Elliott would get a chance for touches. The Texans were 31st in the league in rush yards per game, rush touchdowns and yards per carry — so any player would be an upgrade for that offense. Elliott could certainly make his move in Houston, paving the way for a young quarterback. Houston also added no back to the design.
Cincinnati Bengal: The loss of Samaje Perine as the power returned in that offense was a major blow to the Bengals. Elliott could fill that gap as the powerback addition to Joe Mixon, getting chances to get the tough yards in third and short situations and inside the 20. Wouldn’t cost much for Cincinnati either.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Elliott’s former running backs coach, Skip Peete, is now the running backs coach in Tampa, which has only added Chase Edmonds to the Rachaad White-led backfield this offseason. White was also ineffective as a runner last season, but at least he has the advantage of youth and advantage. If Elliott landed here it would probably be as goal line and pass protection.
Los Angeles Chargers: Former Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore is now in LA, where the Chargers are always looking for additional full backs to give Austin Ekeler a breather. Elliott’s pass blocking and close range skills could make sense in a role here, but he should be willing to take a firm back seat to a player still in something akin to his prime.
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