Ezekiel Elliott Returns to Dallas Cowboys After Contract Agreement

After a brief hiatus, Ezekiel Elliott is set to make a comeback with the Dallas Cowboys, marking his return to the team after a one-year absence. The two parties have reached an agreement on a contract, signaling the reunion of one of the most prominent running backs in the history of the Cowboys. This update comes from NFL Network, with the finalized deal subject to a physical examination.

During his time with the New England Patriots, Elliott recorded 184 carries for 642 yards and three touchdowns. Notably, his yards per carry reached a career low of 3.5. His role in the Patriots' backfield saw him sharing time with Rhamondre Stevenson. Now, the Cowboys aim to reintegrate Elliott into their lineup, seeking to fortify a running game that faced challenges following Tony Pollard's departure in free agency. The team's projected running backs include Rico Dowdle, with Deuce Vaughn and Royce Freeman as backups.

Confidence in Elliott's Abilities

Despite previous setbacks, owner Jerry Jones has expressed confidence in Elliott's potential to serve as a starting running back in the league. Jones affirmed this stance in an interview with CBS Sports, emphasizing his interest in Elliott's capabilities and asserting that he observed Elliott's strong performances during his tenure with the New England Patriots.

Elliott, known for his significant role in the Cowboys' history, ranks third on the all-time list in rushing yards for the team, accumulating a total of 8,262 yards. Throughout his seven seasons, he achieved the milestone of rushing for 1,000 yards four times and securing double-digit rushing touchdowns on four occasions. Additionally, Elliott earned three Pro Bowl appearances, underscoring his impact and contributions to the team. He led the NFL in rushing yards per game for three consecutive seasons from 2016 to 2018, and also topped the league in rushing yards twice during this period.

Performance Evolution

Elliott's rushing yards per game experienced a decline each season, influenced by the accumulation of touches over his career. In 2023, this trend led to his average rushing yards per game dropping to a career-low of 37.8.

With Elliott's return, the Cowboys aim to script a more favorable conclusion, potentially positioning him as the primary running back in Dallas once again. As the team looks ahead, it anticipates leveraging Elliott's skill set and experience to drive improved performances on the field.