In the famous words of Bon Jovi and Jennifer Nettles, "Who says you can't go home?" The Dallas Cowboys and Ezekiel Elliott have come to terms on a 1-year deal, which proves that sometimes you can go home again!
The 28-year-old spent 7 seasons in Big D before heading off to the New England Patriots for the 2023 campaign. Elliott led the Pats in both rushing yards (642) and receptions (51) while finding the end zone 5 times.
The Cowboys were in desperate need to add some depth to their running back room, especially after they failed to pick up one in the 2024 NFL Draft over the weekend. Dallas had their eyes on several collegiate tailbacks, but all of the prospects on their collective draft board just weren't available when it was their time to make picks.
The deal between Zeke and Dallas makes plenty of sense. Though the 'Boys have 5 running backs on their roster, none of them has any meaningful snaps as a starting RB in the NFL. Newly signed free-agent Royce Freeman has 9 career starts but he's only averaged 3.8 yards per carry throughout his 7-year pro career.
The Cowboys front office and coaching staff still think highly of Elliott. Executive Vice President Stephen Jones even referred to Elliott as "one of our favorites." That explains why the Cowboys met with Elliott and his agent, Rocky Arceneuax, just a few days before the draft.
Though devoted Cowboys fans are definitely fond of Zeke, a lot of folks have to wonder just how much the former Ohio State star has left in the tank. Sure, Elliott will be just 29 years old in July, but that's getting on up there in years for an NFL running back.
We already talked about how Elliott led the Pats in both rushing yards and receptions. Though the overall numbers weren't sexy, you have to remember that Zeke only played 51% of rushing snaps. His numbers drastically improved once Rhamondre Stevenson went out with a sprained ankle in the last 5 weeks of the season.
A lot of experts aren't sold on Elliott, mainly because he's coming off his worst season as a pro from a yards per carry standpoint (3.5). While that is a valid concern, you have to remember that Zeke was running behind one of the worst offensive lines in football in 2023.
Whether you think the Cowboys' signing of Elliott is a good thing or not, no one can deny that he's a legend in the state of Texas! Elliott's rookie season (2016) was the best in team history and it's hard to argue with adding a player that's scored 80 touchdowns in a Cowboys uniform.
Elliott is the third leading rusher in Dallas Cowboys history, as he trails only Hall of Famers Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett. Head Coach Mike McCarthy will probably go with a running back by committee approach in 2024, but don't be surprised if Elliott gets the most carries!