In a move that has sent ripples across the NFL landscape, the Dallas Cowboys have officially agreed to bring Ezekiel Elliott back into their fold, pending a successful physical. This strategic decision by the Cowboys aims to rejuvenate their running back room following the departure of Tony Pollard to Tennessee.
Ezekiel Elliott, who is just 28 years old, spent the previous year with the New England Patriots, where he experienced the most challenging season of his career. He posted career lows in rushing yards, yards per attempt, and touchdowns. Despite these struggles, his return to Dallas is seen as a crucial step for a team looking to make a deep playoff run.
Ezekiel Elliott’s Career Trajectory and Impact
Ezekiel Elliott’s professional journey has been marked by early success, evident from his three Pro Bowl selections within his first four seasons from 2016 to 2019. However, recent years have seen a noticeable decline in his performance metrics. In his last season with the Cowboys before moving to New England, Elliott’s average yards per game dropped significantly from his peak years.
The current lineup of running backs in Dallas includes names like Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, Royce Freeman, Malik Davis, Snoop Conner, and undrafted free agent Nathaniel Peat. Elliott’s addition is expected to bring veteran leadership and a proven track record to this group, which on paper, might seem less formidable.
Dallas Cowboys Offseason Strategy and Fan Reactions
The reunion with Elliott comes at a time when the Cowboys, under the ownership of Jerry Jones, are reportedly going “all-in” following a disappointing exit in the NFC wild-card round against the Green Bay Packers. Jerry Jones, in a discussion with The Athletic’s Jon Machota, emphasized the constraints posed by the salary cap, highlighting the financial balancing act involved in managing a competitive team.
🚨 #Cowboys jersey update 🚨
Ezekiel Elliott will once again wear No. 21 in Dallas — moving away from No. 15 that he wore in New England.
He’s officially back. pic.twitter.com/onESwy3ata
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) April 30, 2024
“Our rules to this game is to have a salary cap,” Jones explained. “That means if you pay Zack (Martin) more money one year, you have less to pay next year. That’s just part of how it goes and that’s what you’ve seen…there’s no question we’ve been operating on the credit card.”
The strategy employed by the Cowboys has drawn mixed reactions from fans, particularly in light of significant moves by rival teams. The Philadelphia Eagles, for instance, have bolstered their squad by acquiring Saquon Barkley and adding DeVante Parker to their receiving corps. Similarly, the New York Giants and Washington Commanders have made notable additions to their rosters.
Looking Ahead: The Road to the Championship
Despite achieving a commendable record of winning 12 games in each of the past three seasons, the Cowboys have not reached the NFC Championship Game since their last Super Bowl victory in 1995. The return of Ezekiel Elliott signifies a hopeful step towards achieving that elusive goal. However, it remains to be seen whether this move will be enough to propel the Cowboys further in the postseason in 2024.
The Cowboys’ decision to reunite with Elliott is a testament to their belief in his abilities and potential to contribute significantly. As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Elliott and the Cowboys to see if this reunion can indeed turn the tide in their favor.
