Ezekiel Elliott arrived in Dallas with immense hype. A collegiate standout at Ohio State, he displayed a unique blend of power and agility, earning comparisons to franchise legends like Emmitt Smith. His rookie season was electric. Elliott rushed for over 1,600 yards and 15 touchdowns, propelling the Cowboys to a thrilling 13-3 record and the NFC East title. He became a fan favorite, nicknamed "Zeke" and known for his celebratory antics after scoring touchdowns.
Over the next few seasons, Elliott remained a central figure in Dallas' offensive game plan. He consistently surpassed the 1,000-yard mark and was a reliable presence in the backfield. His punishing running style opened up play-action passing opportunities for Dak Prescott, creating a potent offensive duo.
In 2019, Elliott signed a lucrative six-year, making him one of the highest-paid running backs in the NFL. However, as time progressed, this hefty contract began to pose challenges for the Cowboys' salary cap situation. Running back contracts are notoriously difficult to manage in the NFL, as a player's peak performance often has a shorter window compared to other positions.
The Cowboys approached Elliott in 2023 seeking a renegotiation of his contract. The team desired to free up cap space to address other needs on the roster. However, negotiations stalled. Elliott reportedly wanted to maintain his guaranteed money, while the Cowboys sought a more cap-friendly structure.
The Dallas Cowboys have consistently operated near the salary cap limit. This means they have limited wiggle room to sign new players, re-sign veterans, and extend existing contracts. Elliott's hefty salary was a significant chunk of the cap, restricting the team's flexibility.
The front office had to make tough decisions. They had a talented young wide receiver, CeeDee Lamb, needing a contract extension. Additionally, the offensive line, a crucial unit for any running back's success, had aging veterans requiring replacements. The Cowboys prioritized these areas, believing they could find a cost-effective solution at the running back position.
While Elliott remained a reliable back, some analysts pointed towards a slight decline in his production over the latter half of his contract. His yards per carry average dipped, and he wasn't breaking as many tackles for first downs. This could be attributed to various factors, including increased wear and tear, a heavier workload in pass protection, or even a shift in the offensive scheme.
It's important to note that Elliott was still a productive back. However, the perception that his peak performance might be behind him played a role in the Cowboys' decision-making process.
Drafted in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Tony Pollard quickly carved out a niche for himself in the Dallas backfield. His skillset differed from Elliott's. Pollard possessed blazing speed and elusiveness, excelling in outside zone runs and catching passes out of the backfield. He emerged as a dynamic change-of-pace back, providing a spark to the offense when Elliott needed a breather.
Pollard's emergence presented an interesting dilemma. On one hand, he offered a cost-effective alternative to Elliott. His rookie contract was significantly cheaper, and his skillset complemented Elliott's power running style. A one-two punch at running back with contrasting skillsets could potentially be a nightmare for opposing defenses.
However, some fans and analysts questioned whether Pollard could handle a full workload. His smaller frame raised concerns about durability, and his receiving prowess, while impressive, wasn't quite on par with Elliott's at the time. The question became: could the Cowboys rely on a running back committee approach, or did they need a clear-cut lead back?
Ultimately, the separation between Elliott and the Cowboys seemed to be a mutual decision driven by several factors:
Following his release by the Dallas Cowboys, Ezekiel Elliott remained a free agent for a surprisingly long period. There was speculation that several teams might be interested in his services, but a potential fit didn't materialize immediately. Finally, in August 2023, Elliott signed a one-year deal with the New England Patriots.
The move reunited Elliott with Bill Belichick, a head coach known for his ability to revitalize veterans. In New England, Elliott played a complementary role alongside Damien Harris, another talented back. He finished the 2023 season with a respectable 955 rushing yards, proving he could still be a productive contributor.
Back in Dallas, the Cowboys opted for a running back committee approach with Tony Pollard and Corey Clement. Pollard thrived in a more prominent role, exceeding 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his career. However, the Cowboys' running game lacked the consistency they enjoyed during Elliott's peak seasons. The team finished the season with a disappointing 8-9 record, missing the playoffs.
Ezekiel Elliott's departure from the Dallas Cowboys marked the end of an era. He leaves behind a legacy as a talented running back who helped lead the team to several playoff appearances and a thrilling run to the Divisional Round in 2018. His infectious energy and celebratory antics made him a fan favorite, and his work ethic and dedication were undeniable.
While the reasons for the split were complex, it's clear that both Elliott and the Cowboys moved on to what they believed were better situations. Elliott found a new home and proved he could still be a valuable contributor. The Cowboys are in the midst of revamping their backfield, hoping to find a solution that replicates the success they enjoyed during Elliott's prime.
Only time will tell how this story ultimately unfolds. However, one thing is certain: Ezekiel Elliott's time in Dallas will be remembered fondly by fans who witnessed his rise to stardom and the significant contributions he made to the franchise.
