After a single season in New England, Ezekiel Elliott is back where his career began. The longtime Cowboys running back signed a one-year deal worth up to $3M on Monday and his comments reflecting on the agreement confirmed his desire to return to Dallas.
“This was my priority. Doing what I could do to get back here,” Elliott said (via Clarence Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram). “I have a lot left to accomplish here. I’m excited to get back with the fellas and chase that ring.”
Leading up to the draft, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones made it clear Elliott could be brought back regardless of if a rookie was added during the weekend. Especially with Dallas not selecting a running back, it came as no surprise the 28-year-old was brought back into the fold. Elliott played on a one-year deal with the Patriots in 2023 and he produced underwhelming rushing totals (642 yards on a 3.5 yards per carry average).
However, the former rushing champion noted that his knee is in better shape now than it was during his most recent Cowboys campaign. Elliott dealt with a torn PCL in 2022, a year in which he saw 231 carries (his fewest with Dallas) and ceded early-down work to Tony Pollard. The latter served as the Cowboys’ lead back in 2023 while playing on the franchise tag, but his free-agent departure has created a vacancy atop the depth chart.
Jones has publicly stated he feels Elliott can still operate as a lead back based on his performance in New England. The Ohio State product took over that role once Rhamondre Stevenson was injured and his 51 receptions led the Patriots’ low-powered offense. Elliott recorded 313 yards and a pair of touchdowns through the air and that production could help him earn playing time on third downs in addition to his short-yardage abilities.
“I feel like I’m still a starter,” Elliott added, echoing Jones’ comments. “I got the chance to start down the stretch last year. I felt comfortable in that role. I looking forward to doing what I need to do for this team.”
Dallas also has Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn and Malik Davis as other running backs in place for the time being. Elliott provides far more experience than that trio in addition to his familiarity with the organization. The Cowboys have yet to unveil their UDFA class, one which could include one or more backfield options. The team has $5.25M in cap space (a figure which will drop once its rookie class is signed), meaning another veteran addition could be made. In Elliott’s case, though, both team and player are enthusiastic about the potential brought about by their reunion.
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