Dallas Cowboys Reunite with Ezekiel Elliott
The Dallas Cowboys have officially brought back running back Ezekiel Elliott after reaching an agreement on a new contract with the former two-time rushing champion. The decision to re-sign Elliott comes a year after the Cowboys released him as part of a cost-saving measure. This move signals a significant shift in the team’s running back strategy for the upcoming season.
According to a source familiar with the negotiations, the deal was finalized on Monday, but is still pending a physical examination. The Cowboys have been in talks with Elliott and his representatives in recent weeks, culminating in this agreement.
Elliott’s Return and Future Role
Despite not selecting a running back in the recent draft, the Cowboys made it clear that they see Elliott as their primary option in the backfield. Owner and general manager Jerry Jones expressed confidence in Elliott’s abilities, stating that he believes the 28-year-old is still a starting-caliber running back.
Elliott, who will celebrate his 29th birthday around the start of the Cowboys’ training camp in July, spent the last season as a backup with the New England Patriots. However, injuries to the starting running back resulted in Elliott taking on a more prominent role towards the end of the season.
During his time with the Cowboys, Elliott has been a dominant force in the rushing game. He clinched two rushing titles in his first three seasons with the team and currently ranks as the third-leading rusher in franchise history, accumulating an impressive total of 8,262 yards on the ground. Elliott follows in the footsteps of legendary Cowboys running backs such as Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett.
With Tony Pollard stepping in for Elliott last season but failing to match the impact of the former starter, the Cowboys made it a priority to secure Elliott’s services for the foreseeable future. Pollard, who played on a franchise tag contract with a salary of $10.1 million, has since moved on to join the Tennessee Titans in free agency.
Image/Photo credit: source url