The Dallas Cowboys concluded the 2024 NFL Draft weekend without selecting a single running back. That was shocking, but even more surprising to Cowboys Nation was the reported interest in bringing a familiar face back to the team.
There were also reports that Ezekiel Elliott and the Cowboys had mutual interest in reuniting, and an agreement was quickly reached to reunite the two. We'll take a look at Zeke's body of work and what he's looked like since he left, and see what the Cowboys will get with the newest member of the backfield.
Measurable data and career statistics
- height: 6’0”
- weight: 225 pounds
- Years in NFL: 8 seasons
- Rush attempt: 2,065
- Rush yards: 8,904
- Rush average: 4.3
- Rush TD: 71
- reception: 356
- Receiving yard: 2,649
- Receiving TD: 14
Elliott played college football at Ohio State University and was one of the best running backs to ever play at the collegiate level. His career led to him being selected by the Cowboys with the fourth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Elliott quickly proved his worth in the NFL, rushing for 1,635 yards, 15 touchdowns on the ground and one through the air, earning him Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
Elliott is a three-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro. He is known for his leadership skills, his sense of responsibility in the locker room and as an all-around likeable guy in the NFL.
His production has been poor in recent years, which, along with his high cap number, is one of the reasons the Cowboys let him go in the first place. Now, his contract is reportedly for one year and comes with $2 million, and possibly up to $3 million, guaranteed, making Zeke's cap number much more palatable starting now. We are ready to reunite.
Elliott's strengths
- He is still a strong runner and always finds a way to fall forward and overcome first contact.
- finisher. I want to make tacklers pay.
- A patient runner with plenty of experience in the Cowboys scheme.
- Understand how to set up the hole and know when to hit the hole.
- As good as any short yardage back can be in the NFL.
- Passing Game Threat – Led the Patriots in receptions in 2023.
- Willingness and ability to pass protect.
- At this stage in his career, he certainly doesn't expect too many touches and is comfortable with a reduced role.
- It has a nose aimed at the end zone and the line to gain.
- A true team player who will do whatever it takes to win.
Elliot's weakness
- He doesn't have the explosive power he had when he was younger.
- He has over 2,000 carries and a lot of mileage.
- He's fighting through his injuries, but the scars remain even when he's off the field.
- The way he ran led to a drop in production.
- A stopgap at this point that could hinder the growth of others – if there was talent on the roster worth investing in.
- He can't be considered a top-tier RB1, even if that's what they wanted.
summary
The Cowboys and their fans could have hoped for a better situation at running back. A Zeke reunion seemed impossible just a year ago, but with the fact that the Cowboys have done nothing to fix the problem other than bringing back Rico Doodle and adding Royce Freeman, Zeke is now… facing a situation where his experience may be needed.
He's capable and can provide value, and the Cowboys will benefit in many ways by having him on their team, but they just need to use him correctly. Short yards, remaining goals, and down-and-short situations with his 3rd and his 4th will likely feed him, and that's fine.
Where the Cowboys could run into trouble is if they try to force more than 20 touches in a game. He doesn't need that and no one wants to see it. All in all, the money to sign him is right up Dallas' alley and his presence in the locker room is a positive one.
It's hard to sit here and criticize this move when you're making up to $3 million on a one-year rental and a highly-regarded player. For now, it's time for Cowboys Nation to retire to the closet and dust off that old Ezekiel Elliott jersey that we thought was retired for good.
