I heard the Cowboys might bring back Ezekiel Elliott. If so, what impact will he have on the salary cap? Also, how will he impact the team's run game after losing Tyler Biadasz and Tyron Smith? – Maddox Phillips/Shallowater, Texas
Nick Eatman: I'm not saying it won't happen, but I'm not saying it will happen either. I've been asking about this possible move for several weeks now, and the answer has been pretty much the same each time. No, that seems unlikely, but then again, no one shuts down completely. What makes sense is that Zeke's role actually seems well-needed on this team. The Cowboys have no depth at running back, and even if they draft someone, it's unlikely they'll get a thumper-type back who knows how to pick up tough yards. With a player like Sieg, that's exactly what you'll get. And as of now, they have not signed Stephon Gilmore, which could lead to him heading elsewhere. In fact, it may even reopen number 21. So I think it makes sense for a number of reasons, but it would still be hard to imagine Zeke ever coming back. But at this point, I think it's okay. It wouldn't be an expensive contract and he would likely help in the running game as well as mentoring other young backs that could be added.
cart: Yes, there is talk of an Ezekiel Elliott reunion being considered, but I don't think anything is completely off the table when it comes to fixing the ground game at this point. However, we don't know if Zeke will have a big impact on the salary cap or running attack. He's already slated to count more than $6 million in dead money against the cap, so perhaps that could be worked into a team-friendly contract. And that's the key here — it has to be team-friendly (the Patriots signed Elliott to a one-year, $3 million contract last season). Because, how much of an impact does Zeke really have on the offense, especially the offensive line? In the 2022 season with the Cowboys, there were 12 on the team.th According to Pro Football Focus, Elliott was at the top of the offensive line, with Elliott averaging 3.8 yards per carry running behind them. Will the 2024 version of the offensive line be better? He could also serve as a complement to the young running backs, who provide veteran leadership and handle the majority of the load, while perhaps serving as a short-yardage weapon. So Zeke's return will probably excite fans, and he's always been well-liked in the locker room, but when it comes to his on-field impact, he's just about 5 total touchdowns, 10.8 carries, and 37.8 rushing attempts. It might be the same. Last season in New England, he averaged an average of yards per game.
