FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys have made a significant move to bolster their backfield, reuniting with star running back Ezekiel Elliott for the 2024 NFL season. After a brief stint with the New England Patriots, Elliott is set to don the iconic silver and blue once again.
The Contract Agreement
The news broke early Monday morning, sending shockwaves through Cowboys Nation. According to reports, the Cowboys and Elliott have agreed to terms on a contract that will see him back in the Lone Star State. The deal came together over the past several days, with communications between the two sides existing for weeks. A steak dinner last week helped seal the deal, but the groundwork for this reunion was laid long before that.
Depth Chart Stability
Elliott’s return provides much-needed stability to the Cowboys’ running back depth chart. With the departure of Tony Pollard in free agency, the position had been shrouded in uncertainty. The team’s faith in unproven, inexperienced young talent behind Rico Dowdle led them to explore options. However, the draft came and went without the Cowboys selecting a running back, signaling their confidence in Elliott’s impending return.
Elliott’s Impact
When the Cowboys drafted Elliott fourth overall in the 2016 NFL Draft, they bucked the trend of devaluing running backs. And he didn’t disappoint. In his first year out of Ohio State, Elliott earned PFWA All-Rookie Team honors and went on to become a three-time Pro Bowler and a two-time All-Pro. His powerful running style and durability made him a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ offense, helping quarterback Dak Prescott reach new heights.
Elliott’s stats speak for themselves: 8,262 rushing yards, 68 touchdowns, and an average of 80.2 rushing yards per game. He trails only Cowboys legends Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett in career rushing yards and has surpassed Dorsett in yards per game. Even when injuries struck, such as the torn PCL in 2021, Elliott gutted through it to remain available, surpassing the 1,000-yard mark that season.
The Road Ahead
As Elliott prepares to lace up his cleats once more, Cowboys fans are eager to see him back in action. His return brings a sense of nostalgia and excitement, reminiscent of the glory days when the Cowboys dominated the NFL. Whether he can reclaim his role as RB1 remains to be seen, but the mere presence of No. 15 on the field is enough to ignite hope in Dallas.
Owner and general manager Jerry Jones summed it up best: “We are keenly interested in seeing what the future might look like with Zeke.” For Cowboys faithful, that future is now, and it’s filled with anticipation and optimism.
So, as the 2024 season approaches, keep an eye on Ezekiel Elliott. The star running back is back where he belongs, ready to carve his name into Cowboys history once more.
