In a move that marks the end of an era, the Dallas Cowboys have released veteran running back Ezekiel Elliott. The decision, announced Tuesday, comes as the team looks to provide the 29-year-old an opportunity to join a playoff contender. Once a dominant force in the NFL, Elliott’s production has steadily declined in recent years, culminating in this quiet departure from the franchise that drafted him fourth overall in 2016.
A Legacy Etched in Dallas History
Ezekiel Elliott leaves the Cowboys as one of the team’s most decorated running backs. Over the course of seven seasons with Dallas, Elliott amassed 8,488 rushing yards and 71 touchdowns, placing him third in franchise history behind Hall of Famers Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett. His career in Dallas began with a bang, earning two NFL rushing titles in his first three seasons and setting rookie records in 2016 with 1,631 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns.
However, Elliott’s performance has waned in recent years. Since signing a $90 million contract extension in 2019, his production has dropped each season. In 2023, he returned to Dallas on a one-year, $3 million deal but failed to regain his former dominance. He recorded career lows with just 74 carries for 226 yards and three touchdowns, averaging a mere 3.1 yards per carry.
Despite his struggles, Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones expressed deep admiration for Elliott’s contributions. “Zeke’s impact as one of the greatest to ever play with the Star on their helmet will never change and is etched in our record books and history forever,” Jones said in a statement. “We thank him, love him, and wish him the absolute best.”
A Strategic Move Ahead of the Playoffs
The timing of Elliott’s release appears to be a calculated decision by the Cowboys’ front office. With just one game remaining in the regular season, the team wanted to give Elliott a chance to join a playoff-bound roster. “Out of respect and appreciation for Zeke and wanting to provide him with an opportunity to pursue any potential playoff participation possible, we are releasing him from the Cowboys roster today,” Jones added.
Elliott will now be placed on waivers, allowing other teams the opportunity to claim him. If unclaimed, he will become a free agent and be eligible to sign with any team interested in his services. This strategic move echoes a similar scenario last season, when four-time Pro Bowler Dalvin Cook was released and subsequently joined a playoff contender. Elliott’s agent, Rocky Arceneaux, expressed optimism about his client’s future, stating, “Zeke is excited about the possibilities and is grateful. He’s got a lot of good football left in him and will remain a Dallas Cowboy for life.”
Rising Stars and a Changing Backfield
The emergence of younger talent in the Cowboys’ backfield played a significant role in Elliott’s diminished role this season. Fifth-year running back Rico Dowdle has emerged as the team’s lead rusher, becoming the franchise’s first undrafted running back to surpass 1,000 rushing yards in a single season. Dowdle’s consistency and explosiveness have filled the void left by Elliott’s declining production.
Additionally, the Cowboys have bolstered their depth at the position with rookie Deuce Vaughn and veteran options like Dalvin Cook on the practice squad. Head coach Mike McCarthy praised Elliott’s professionalism during his final stint in Dallas, stating, “Zeke has been a consummate teammate and supported Rico [Dowdle] throughout the season.” Still, the Cowboys’ rushing game has remained a weakness, ranking 27th in the NFL in total rushing yards and yards per carry, with only five rushing touchdowns this season.
What Lies Ahead for Ezekiel Elliott?
Elliott’s departure signals an uncertain yet intriguing chapter in his NFL career. As a former three-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro, he brings leadership, experience, and a proven track record to any team in need of a veteran presence in the backfield. However, questions remain about his ability to contribute at a high level, given his recent performance struggles.
For the Cowboys, Elliott’s release represents a symbolic shift in their offensive philosophy. With players like Dowdle and Vaughn stepping up, Dallas is looking to the future while bidding farewell to one of the franchise’s most iconic figures. As the playoff race heats up, all eyes will be on where Elliott lands next—and whether he can reignite the spark that once made him one of the most feared running backs in the league.
Teams with postseason aspirations and a need for backfield depth may consider Elliott as a valuable addition. His ability to provide short-yardage power and goal-line efficiency could appeal to contenders looking for an experienced player to strengthen their playoff push. While his explosiveness may have waned, Elliott’s football IQ and leadership remain assets that could benefit a locker room.
As the NFL regular season concludes, fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring Elliott’s next move. Whether he joins a playoff-bound team or takes time to reassess his future in the league, one thing is certain: Ezekiel Elliott’s legacy as a Dallas Cowboy will endure, cemented by his electrifying plays, rushing titles, and contributions to the team’s storied history.
