Posted on Apr 29
Posted on Apr 29
u/alex •
u/alex •
DALLAS, TX -- In a move that has sparked excitement among Dallas Cowboys fans, star running back Ezekiel Elliott is set to sign a one-year deal, reuniting him with the team that drafted him fourth overall in 2016. The Cowboys organization met with Elliott and his agent before the draft, expressing their high regard for him as a player and paving the way for his return.
Elliott's return to the Cowboys draws comparisons to Herschel Walker's second stint with the team. Just like Walker, Elliott is making a comeback to the franchise that established his NFL career. While there are differences in the circumstances, the anticipation surrounding Elliott's return is undeniable.
The Cowboys lost Tony Pollard to free agency, leaving a void in their running back corps. To address this, the team plans to adopt a committee approach at the position. In addition to re-signing Rico Dowdle, the Cowboys have signed Royce Freeman and added Deuce Vaughn, Malik Davis, and Hunter Luepke to the roster. This depth chart signals a collective effort to fill the absence left by Pollard.
Surprisingly, the Cowboys did not select a running back in the recent draft despite their need for depth at the position. Executive Vice President Stephen Jones defended this decision, stating that they stuck to their draft board and the desired running backs had been taken off the board before their picks. This strategy suggests the team's confidence in their current running back options, including the returning Elliott.
Last season, Elliott played 51% of the offensive snaps, demonstrating a decrease in his workload compared to previous years. He accumulated 642 rushing yards on 184 carries and made 51 receptions for 313 yards. While the Cowboys may not expect Elliott to be the dominant back he once was, his track record as a key contributor throughout his career cannot be overlooked.
Since his rookie season, Elliott has surpassed 8,000 rushing yards and set numerous team records. However, it is worth noting that he has not reached the 1,000-yard rushing mark since the 2020 season. The Cowboys will rely on Elliott's experience, leadership, and versatility to make an impact on the field.
As Ezekiel Elliott reunites with the Dallas Cowboys, the organization and its fans are hopeful for a resurgence of his dynamic play. While uncertainties surround the depth at the running back position, the Cowboys' decision to bring back Elliott highlights their belief in his abilities. As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Elliott as he aims to contribute to the team's success once again.