Ezekiel Elliott has enjoyed a lucrative NFL career and will go down as one of the best Dallas Cowboys running backs ever. Amid growing uncertainty regarding his future, it’s evident who wants him back in Dallas.
Many around the NFL have believed Elliott’s days in Dallas are numbered. A three-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time NFL rushing champion, the 27-year-old’s effectiveness is declining. After averaging 4.6 yards per carry through his first four seasons, Elliott averaged 3.8 yards per rush this past season and failed to crack 900 rushing yards for the first time.
- Ezekiel Elliott stats (2022): 876 rushing yards, 12 touchdowns, 3.8 yards per carry
Following the conclusion of the 2022 season, Elliott ranked third on the Cowboys’ all-time rushing yards list (8,262) and is third in rushing touchdowns (68). If he returned to Dallas next season, he could surpass Tony Dorsett (72) for second in franchise history.
Speaking to reports at the NFL Combine, owner Jerry Jones said he ‘very much wants‘ Elliott back in Dallas and believes it’s very viable to retain both running backs.
While Jones knows the Cowboys’ financial situation better than anyone, Elliott’s current contract isn’t viable for a contender. He carries a $16.72 million cap hit and his diminished impact on the offense makes that a cost Dallas can’t afford to pay.
It’s even more challenging because of Tony Pollard. With a contract extension unlikely, Pollard will receive the franchise tag worth $10.09 million guaranteed. That’s an additional $10 million for a team that is already $7.198 million over the 2023 NFL salary cap.
The Cowboys would create $10.9 million in cap savings if they designate Elliott as a post-June 1 release. It puts the former star running back in a position where he must choose between taking a pay cut to remain in Dallas or being cut and testing the open market.
- Ezekiel Elliott career stats: 8,262 rushing yards, 68 rushing touchdowns, 4.4 yards per carry
The latter might be his worst option. Of the top NFL free agents, many of the best players available are running backs and the 2023 NFL Draft class is deep at the position. Based on how Elliott is viewed by talent evaluators around the league, the Cowboys might be the only team with a genuine interest in making him an important part of an NFL offense next season.
More must-reads: