The Cowboys have shown interest in an Ezekiel Elliott reunion, but it’s looking more and more improbable.
In a news conference after the NFL Draft, Dallas owner Jerry Jones said he hasn’t “ruled out” re-signing the three-time Pro Bowl RB, who remains a free agent after the Cowboys recently released him. The 27-year-old RB wants a fresh start, however.
“Per a league source, Elliott has a couple of options he’s planning to pursue post-draft, and a return to the Cowboys is unlikely,” wrote the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Clarence Hill Jr.
The Cowboys didn’t allow the two-time rushing champion to take a pay cut, making his reluctance to return understandable.
Last season, he ran for 12 TDs in 15 games, tied for fifth in the league, meaning he could interest some teams as an RB2.
Per OddsChecker, the Chargers are the most likely Elliott landing spot. It makes sense because new Chargers OC Kellen More was Dallas OC from 2019 to 2022, RB Austin Ekeler has one year left on his contract and they drafted no RBs.
Conversely, Dallas can rely on Pro Bowl RB Tony Pollard, yet it should find a complementary power back.
The Cowboys could roll the dice on second-year RB Malik Davis. In 12 games, the 24-year-old RB posted decent numbers averaging 4.2 yards per carry on 38 rushing attempts. Ronald Jones II, a two-time Super Bowl champion, could compete for RB2, too, since he has a career average of 4.4 yards per carry.
Although rookie Deuce Vaughn had the FBS’ eight-most rushing yards (1,558) in 2022, he lacks prototypical power back size (5-foot-5, 179 pounds), meaning he’ll have to find another role.
Since Elliott’s reportedly ready to move on, Dallas must find an alternative.
