The Dallas Cowboys and running back Ezekiel Elliott have reportedly agreed to a contract, reuniting the two sides after one season apart. Elliott played for the Patriots in 2023 after a seven-year stint with the Cowboys, but now returns to Dallas to bolster their running back corps.
The Dallas Cowboys have reportedly agreed to a contract with running back Ezekiel Elliott, according to multiple reports. The NFL Network first reported that a deal was in place, contingent upon Elliott passing a physical.
Elliott played for the Cowboys for seven years before the two sides parted ways at the start of the 2023 season. He joined the New England Patriots last year, appearing in all 17 games and rushing for 642 yards and three touchdowns on 184 carries.
A deal between Elliott and the Cowboys was rumored ahead of the NFL Draft, and Dallas's decision not to select any running backs further fueled these rumors. The Cowboys acknowledged during the draft that they had talked to Elliott and his representatives.
Dallas's offseason has been relatively quiet, but Elliott's return is a significant addition to the team. He is likely to join a backfield that includes Royce Freeman and Rico Dowdle, after Tony Pollard signed with the Tennessee Titans.
Elliott was drafted by the Cowboys with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. He burst onto the scene with 1,631 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns in his rookie season and has rushed for over 1,000 yards three more times in his career.
Overall, Elliott has 8,904 rushing yards and 71 touchdowns in 120 career games. He is a proven workhorse and a key piece of the Cowboys' offense.
The re-signing of Elliott is a major move for the Cowboys, who are looking to rebound from a disappointing 6-11 season in 2023. With Elliott back in the fold, the Cowboys' offense should be more explosive and efficient.
The Cowboys' season kicks off on September 11th on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
