Ezekiel Elliott Reuniting with Dallas Cowboys: A One-Year Deal
Ezekiel Elliott Reuniting with His First Team
Ezekiel Elliott has signed a one-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys, reportedly worth up to $3 million, sources told ESPN on Monday.
This agreement marks his return to the team that initially drafted him fourth overall in 2016. Discussions between Elliott, his agent Rocky Arceneaux, and the Cowboys had been ongoing before last week’s draft.
Ezekiel Elliott will return to the Cowboys a year after they let him go, reports say. 🏈 https://t.co/1B6HZbqlYV
— KAMC News (@KAMCNews) April 29, 2024
Source: Twitter/KAMC News
Coincidentally, their meeting took place at Dee Lincoln Prime, the same restaurant where the Cowboys were hosting a dinner for their scouts.
Stephen Jones, the Cowboys' executive vice president, shared his thoughts on Thursday, stating, “Well, Zeke is definitely one of our favorites. He's consistently proven his dedication to this franchise. He's an incredible competitor and someone we highly value.”
Running Back Strategy Following Pollard’s Departure
With Tony Pollard's recent move to the Tennessee Titans through free agency, the Cowboys are adopting a running back by committee approach.
They have re-signed Rico Dowdle, who served as last year's backup, and have added veteran Royce Freeman.
The team also includes promising talents like Deuce Vaughn, Malik Davis, and Hunter Luepke.
Ezekiel Elliott Reuniting and His Impact
Elliott's return is evocative of Herschel Walker's second stint with the Cowboys, offering a blend of nostalgia and strategic gameplay. Despite not selecting a running back in the recent draft, where they missed out on potential picks in the third round and saw twelve running backs go off the board before their fifth-round pick, the team remained focused on reuniting with Elliott.
Reflecting on the draft, Jones mentioned, “It seemed like every time we were close to making our pick and intending to do the right thing, it wasn’t for a running back. We had a group of running backs in that space where I think there were 75-85 players that we had to watch leave the board.”
The Road Ahead for Ezekiel Elliott
Ezekiel Elliott's role in the upcoming season is poised to be significant but different from his peak years. The Cowboys do not expect him to replicate the dominance he displayed when he first joined the team. Between 2016 and 2022, Elliott ran for 8,262 yards, leading the NFL in rushing twice and setting numerous records.
Despite facing challenges, including a mix-and-match offensive line, Elliott managed to lead the Patriots with 642 rushing yards last season, showing he still has the capability to contribute effectively.
Additionally, the Cowboys have strengthened their defense by agreeing to terms with veteran linebacker Damien Wilson, further solidifying their team composition for the upcoming season.
Ezekiel Elliott’s reunion with the Cowboys not only boosts their running game but also brings experienced leadership and proven talent back into the fold. As the new season approaches, fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how this strategic move plays out on the field.
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