The Dallas Cowboys officially announced the signing of free agent running back Ezekiel Elliott on Tuesday morning.
In a move that was expected this offseason, the three-time Pro Bowl running back is returning to North Texas on a one-year deal. Elliott joins veteran Royce Freeman as a recent addition at running back. Rico Doodle, Deuce Vaughn, fullbacks Hunter Luepke, Malik Davis, Snoop Conner and undrafted rookie Nathaniel Peete currently form the backfield.
The deal is worth up to $3 million, and he will also wear No. 21 with the Cowboys, ESPN reports.
Elliott, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2016 draft, is the third leading rusher in Cowboys history, rushing for 8,262 yards and 68 touchdowns in seven years. He is well-respected within the locker room and is especially close to quarterback Dak Prescott. They were part of the same draft class.
Elliott won the NFL rushing title in two of the first three seasons of his career and quickly became a fan favorite. His signature “feed me” celebration interrupted many of his best runs. Off the field, he also makes an impact in the Dallas community, raising awareness and donating to the Salvation Army, as well as supporting Oak Cliff, a local non-profit that benefits youth in his community. We are doing
Elliott will turn 29 in July. His average yards per carry has steadily decreased from 4.2 yards in 2021 to 3.8 yards in 2022 to 3.5 yards per carry last year. He spent the 2023 season on a New England Patriots team that lacked offensive talent. Despite the decline in production, Jones recently told reporters that Elliott still has tread left on its tires.
“He's good enough to be a starter,” Jones said Friday.
More coverage of Ezekiel Elliott
— Ezekiel Elliott is back, but the Dallas Cowboys still need a running back to take the lead.
— Ezekiel Elliott's ups and downs: A look back at his career with the Dallas Cowboys
— Ezekiel Elliott ranks among Cowboys' all-time running backs
— National reaction to Ezekiel Elliott's return to the Dallas Cowboys: 'Run!'
— 10 things to know about Dallas Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott: We need a reunion
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