Ezekiel Elliott Signing With New Team Before Playoffs

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Ezekiel Elliott Signing With New Team Before Playoffs

Originally posted on The Spun | By Matt Hladik | Last updated Jan 6, 2025 9:57 PM ET

The Dallas Cowboys released Ezekiel Elliott last week at the veteran running back's request.

Elliott, who saw his role decrease as the season went on and is no longer the player he was in his prime when he twice led the NFL in rushing, asked to be let go so he could potentially catch on with a playoff contender. On Monday night, he did just that. Bleacher Report's Jordan Schultz reported that Elliott is signing with the Los Angeles Chargers.

"Former #Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott is signing with the #Chargers," Schultz said. "Zeke wanted a chance to compete for a Super Bowl and will add valuable experience to the Bolts' offense."

Schultz added that Elliott drew interest from several playoff teams "but liked the fit with Jim Harbaugh and Justin Herbert the most."

Elliott, 29, re-signed with Dallas last offseason after spending one year with the New England Patriots. The former No. 4 pick in the NFL Draft spent his first seven seasons with the Cowboys from 2016-22.

Originally beginning the year in a timeshare with Rico Dowdle, Elliott's workload shrunk as the season progressed. He rushed for only 226 yards and three touchdowns on 74 carries, his 3.1 yards per attempt the lowest average of his career.

In the final game of his second stint with the Cowboys, Elliott rushed for two yards on three carries in a 41-7 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17.

"Out of respect and appreciation for Zeke and wanting to provide him with an opportunity to pursue any potential playoff participation possible, we are releasing him from the Cowboys roster today," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said. "As I have said many times previously, Zeke's impact as one of the greatest to ever play with the Star on their helmet will never change and is etched in our record books and history forever. We thank him, love him, and wish him the absolute best."

The Chargers already have J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards as their 1-2 punch in the backfield, with Kamani Vidal also seeing time during the season. We'll see if Elliott sees any time with LA during the upcoming playoffs.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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