ORLANDO, Fla. — As the Cowboys build out their backfield in 2024, there could be a familiar face in the future.
Two veteran prospects, Ezekiel Elliott and Dalvin Cook, stand to receive strong consideration from clubs as free agency progresses. Elliott spent seven seasons in Dallas from 2016-22. Cook will be reunited with Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, who was the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings from 2017 to 2021.
said team owner Jerry Jones and executive vice president Stephen Jones. dallas morning news At the NFL's annual meeting this week, no one could confirm or deny interest in the running back. They declined to comment, but anyone considering the Cowboys' direction at the position would be wise to keep an eye on the veteran running back along with the rookie pick. This was revealed by multiple people familiar with the players' thinking. news The veteran is interested in potentially signing with Dallas.
It seems almost certain that Dallas will select a running back on the second or third day of next month's draft (combined rounds two through seven). The rookie will likely project rotational touches as part of a larger backfield committee.
Rico Doodle and fullback Hunter Luepke are among the running backs under contract.
Elliott or Cook could figure into that rotation. Elliott has maintained strong relationships within the building. Cook, who once again served as a team captain under Zimmer, will be a welcome addition back alongside Zimmer.
“We definitely want to grow our running back room,” coach Mike McCarthy said. “Whether it's a veteran or a draft pick, the room is by no means done. It was important to re-sign Rico. He's definitely a player that was part of last year's one-two rotation, so we're looking forward to him. I'm satisfied with that.
“But we have some young players here who are thinking about things like: [make a] Jump. …. Hunter, look at Deuce. [Vaughn] And even Malik [Davis]. I expect them to make a big leap forward and compete for playing time. ”
Given the importance of youth in the backfield, signing both Elliott and Cook seems unlikely.
That said, the free agent back fits what the club is looking for. Last season, the Cowboys often missed punches in the backfield and stalled in short yardage situations. Despite leading the NFL in team scoring average of 29.4 points, they scored touchdowns on 64.1% of their scoring chances, seventh-worst in the NFL.
Tony Pollard could not consistently close drives no matter how hard he tried. The two-play sequence in Week 16 became a microcosm.
Rather than running wide for a score, Pollard took a more direct route, tossing left and upfield from the Miami Dolphins' own 2-yard line. Lupke fumbled a handoff from quarterback Dak Prescott.
The Cowboys lost the ball and the game ultimately ended 22-20.
Last season, Pollard scored three touchdowns on seven carries inside the opponent's 2-yard line. He was unable to break or evade tackles on those opportunities. Elliott scored eight touchdowns in 2022 and added 11 first downs on fewer than two carries.
Elliott and Cook are self-loaded resumes.
They each topped 1,000 rushing yards four times in their respective NFL careers. Cook, a four-time Pro Bowler, continued to do so from 2019 to 2022. He's not being ruled out for his workhorse-level production as Elliott, a three-time Pro Bowler who topped 1,000 yards in 2021.
They followed a similar path last year.
Veterans have parted ways with the teams that drafted them and have struggled to find their past rhythms. Elliott and Cook averaged 3.5 and 3.2 yards per carry with the New England Patriots and New York Jets, respectively. The Jets waived Cook at the end of the season, giving him a chance to play in the postseason.
Cook, who turns 29 in August, fell in love with the Baltimore Ravens. He had eight carries in the fourth quarter of the playoff win against Houston, gaining 23 yards, including 19 on his first rep.
Elliott, 29, totaled 184 carries for 642 yards and three touchdowns for New England in July. Regardless of whether he signs here or not, he will count against the Cowboys' salary cap. His 2023 release has a post-June 1 designation, resulting in his 2024 final cap hit of $6.04 million.
The Cowboys are fully expected to draft a running back next month.
Veterans they are familiar with could help complement the newcomers.
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