The Dallas Cowboys organization made some pretty confusing moves in the offseason. Instead of improving the roster, owner Jerry Jones allowed big-time free agents like tackle Tyron Smith, center Tyler Biadasz and running back Tony Pollard to leave.
All three were starters, and there was a lack of space on the offensive line and running backs. Jones made few proven veteran additions to make up for the team's losses, but the Cowboys drafted tackle Tyler Guyton with the 29th overall pick out of Oklahoma.
Cowboys plan to sign Ezekiel Elliott pending physical exam, team official says @DMRussini.
Both sides have agreed to the terms of the contract and a reunion is imminent. pic.twitter.com/rOL9cc8F5B
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) April 29, 2024
Guyton should work well and be a left- or right-side plug-and-play option. There are multiple options at running back, but Jones finally made the big move by adding veteran talent. The Cowboys are officially bringing back All-Pro running back Ezekiel Elliott.
Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire (via Getty Images)
Elliott may have had a down year with the New England Patriots in 2023 after securing 643 yards and 3 TDs, but he's still a 3-down back who should spice up the Cowboys' run game.
The Cowboys selected Elliott in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, and he went on to have an incredible rookie year, rushing for 1,631 yards and 15 TDs. Although he lost out on Offensive Rookie of the Year to teammate quarterback Dak Prescott, he was very impressive in his NFL debut.
Elliott had over 1,000 rushing yards in four of his seven years with the Cowboys. Even though he had 876 yards and 12 touchdowns in the 2022 season, Dallas cut him in early 2023.
His average of 3.8 yards per carry was the lowest of his career in 2022 with Dallas, and Jones may not have been satisfied with the same level of production from the former All-Pro running back. Elliott underperformed even more in 2023 with the Patriots, averaging a career-worst 3.5 yards per carry.
Still, while he may not be churning out tons of yards per touch, Elliott is a 3-down back who not only leads the team's rushing attack, but is one of the most important players the Cowboys could potentially sign. They have enough ability to offer some young talent. Elliott was unfairly fired by Jones, but the controversial owner and general manager is now doing the right thing by bringing back one of the most beloved players in franchise history.
Elliott could even be rejuvenated with the Cowboys and would benefit from newly acquired Alabama tackle Guyton opening up running lanes.
The Cowboys are in dire need of running back help, and Elliott is the perfect free agent to bring back to help the team establish its game on the ground.
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