With the running back market beginning to dry up, and no clear starter currently under contract on their roster, Dallas could be turning to a familiar face ahead of the 2024 campaign.
The Cowboys and veteran running back Ezekiel Elliott are reported to have “mutual interest” in a reunion this offseason, with multiple discussions between the two camps having already taken place. The soon to be 29 year old spent the first 7 years of his NFL career in Dallas prior to being released last March.
Playing behind a leaky offensive line in New England last season, Zeke led the team in rushing yards with 642, while adding 3 TDs and 51 receptions for 313 yards through the air. All in all, he would play 51% of the team’s offensive snaps, with many of those coming during the final 5 weeks of the 2023 campaign after Rhamondre Stevenson went down with a high ankle sprain.
Originally selected 4th overall by the Cowboys in 2016, Elliott led the NFL in rushing yards in 2 out of his first 3 seasons in the league, en route to three Pro Bowl selections. After holding out for most of the offseason, the former Buckeye eventually signed a 1 year, $3M contract with the Patriots.
While no term or value have been ironed out regarding a return to Texas, Elliott is widely believed to be available for a similar figure as Dallas looks to overhaul their backfield following the departure of Tony Pollard.
The Cowboys currently feature unproven players such as Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, Malik David, and Snoop Conner in their running back group. While adding a veteran back such as Elliott would undoubtedly strengthen that group, in all likelihood, Dallas will wait and see what players become available on April 25th at the 2024 NFL Draft before committing to anything long term.
In state talent Jonathon Brooks from the University of Texas is an intriguing option for the high powered Cowboys offence. As is Jaylen Wright out of Tennessee, Blake Corum from Michigan, Bucky Irving out of Oregon and Trey Benson from Florida State.
Unlike last year which saw Atlanta select Bijan Robinson 8th overall, this year’s group of running backs project to be 2nd round picks or later this spring.
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