The Dallas Cowboys did not draft a running back until the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. This opens the door to a reunion with Ezekiel Elliott.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones confirmed this week that he is interested in bringing back Elliott, 28, who spent the first seven years of his NFL career with the Cowboys and played last season with the New England Patriots.
Jones liked Texas running back Jonathan Brooks, but the Carolina Panthers selected him 46th overall, 10 spots ahead of the Cowboys' second-round pick. Dallas has four picks left (Nos. 174, 216, 233, and 244), and Elliott could be the next play after acquiring a coveted target.
“First of all, the draft isn't over yet. That's a possibility,” Jones said. “And it took a long time to get a running back in today's draft. But we also have a vested interest in seeing what the future holds for Zeke.”
Elliott and his agent met with the Cowboys earlier this week to discuss a return to Dallas. Jones said he believes Elliott still has the ability to be an NFL starter.
The Cowboys have an opening in their running backs room after Tony Pollard signed as a free agent with the Tennessee Titans. Rico Doodle, Royce Freeman, Deuce Vaughn, Malik Davis and Snoop Conner are currently under contract.
Elliott appeared in all 17 games for the Patriots in 2023, rushing for 642 yards and three touchdowns on 184 attempts. He also caught 51 passes for 313 yards and two touchdowns.
Elliott's usage increased after Rhamondre Stephenson suffered an ankle injury, and he had double-digit carries in the final six games of the season.
Jones has no intention of bringing Elliott back yet and will make a decision based on the results of the final four rounds. However, considering the lack of experience other than Freeman on the running back depth chart, the reunion appears to be an attempt to solidify that position.
“It’s up to us to make the running back room happy, of course,” Jones said. “Okay, is the running back room over? I'm not going to answer that. I'm not going to be shy. I just don't need to answer that. But Zeke is good enough to be in the running back room. He has, and he's a good guy.''I think he's good enough to play for the Cowboys. ”
