Ezekiel Elliott’s Second Departure from the Dallas Cowboys: A Closer Look
FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys have once again parted ways with their No. 3 all-time rushing leader, Ezekiel Elliott. This marks the second time in three years that the Cowboys have released Elliott, with the latest move coming just as the team prepares for its final game of the season.
For those who have followed Elliott’s career, this news might not come as a complete surprise. After all, the Cowboys had previously released him following the 2022 season due to salary cap constraints. Elliott then spent the 2023 season with the New England Patriots before returning to Dallas. Now, with the Cowboys making the decision to waive him, Elliott, at 29, has the opportunity to join a playoff contender if he clears waivers.
In a statement, Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones expressed his gratitude and respect for Elliott, saying, “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. As I have said many times previously, 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. We thank him, love him and wish him the absolute best.”
Elliott’s agent, Rocky Arceneaux, also shared his appreciation for the Cowboys’ decision, stating, “Even though nothing is imminent 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.”
Elliott’s 2024 Season Performance
After the 2024 draft, Elliott signed a one-year deal with the Cowboys worth up to $3 million, contingent on meeting certain incentives. These included reaching 1,100 scrimmage yards, scoring 10 touchdowns, and participating in 51% of the playing time, along with the Cowboys making the playoffs.
However, Elliott’s performance this season has been less than stellar. He has recorded 74 carries for 226 yards and three touchdowns, along with 12 receptions for 69 yards. Notably, he did not surpass the 40-yard mark he achieved in the season opener against the Cleveland Browns. Additionally, he has not had a run longer than 11 yards this season.
There was a moment of controversy when Elliott was deactivated for the November 3 game against the Atlanta Falcons due to missed meetings, according to multiple sources. This incident raised questions about his future with the team, but he remained on the 53-man roster.
Team Dynamics and Elliott’s Legacy
Despite the challenges, Coach Mike McCarthy has praised Elliott for being a consummate teammate, particularly in his support of Rico Dowdle, who has emerged as the lead back. Dowdle recently surpassed 1,000 yards for the season in a game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
While Elliott has been active for every game since the penalty, his playing time has been limited, with him topping 14 snaps just once in the past eight games. In the Week 16 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Elliott managed to score on a 1-yard touchdown run, bringing his career total to 71 touchdowns as a Cowboy. Only Hall of Famers Tony Dorsett (72) and Emmitt Smith (153) have more in franchise history.
- From 2016 to 2022, Elliott ran for 8,262 yards with the Cowboys.
- He was a three-time Pro Bowl selection.
- Elliott set team rookie records with 1,631 yards and posted 30 100-yard games.
- He led the NFL in rushing in 2016 and 2018.
- His production has declined each season, with his last 1,000-yard season being in 2020 (1,002 yards).
With Elliott’s departure, the Cowboys’ backfield now features Deuce Vaughn on the active roster, along with Dalvin Cook and Malik Davis on the practice squad.
Originally Written by: Todd Archer
