The Ezekiel Elliott period in Dallas is coming to an finish because the Dallas Cowboys are releasing Elliott, who has 4 years remaining on an enormous six-year, $90 million extension he signed in 2019, in keeping with NFL Media experiences.
Elliott was arguably the worst beginning operating again within the league final season, ending final within the NFL in yards per carry (3.8), tackles prevented (32), and share of runs that went for 10-plus yards (7.4%). According to a number of experiences, the transfer might be processed as a post-June 1 minimize. The Cowboys will see $10.9 million in cap reduction consequently they usually’ll be left with $5.82 million in useless cash on this 12 months’s cap. He was owed $64.76 million for the rest of his contract, however there was no assured wage remaining on his deal.
While the tip for Elliott in Dallas wasn’t nice, he was probably the greatest operating backs in Cowboys historical past. Third on the all-time record in dashing yards for the Cowboys (8,262), Elliott rushed for 1,000 yards 4 instances in seven seasons, whereas additionally reaching double digits in dashing touchdowns 4 instances and incomes three Pro Bowl appearances.
Cowboys proprietor Jerry Jones issued an announcement following Elliott’s launch:
“We have mutually agreed with Zeke that the perfect determination for everybody is that he’ll be capable to expertise free company, and we are able to enhance our flexibility and choices as properly. This is among the hardest components of working a group,” Jones mentioned within the assertion.
Elliott led the NFL in dashing yards per sport in three consecutive seasons (2016-2018) and the league in dashing yards twice (2016, 2018). His dashing yards per sport numbers have declined every season because of the variety of touches amassed over the course of his profession, averaging a career-low 58.4 dashing yards per sport and three.8 yards per carry in 2022.
Elliott’s launch clears the trail to make Tony Pollard the featured again in Dallas. Pollard ranked first within the NFL in yards per contact (5.9) final season, as he rushed for 1,007 yards and 9 touchdowns.
Potential touchdown spots
Dallas Cowboys: Could the Cowboys truly deliver Elliott again? They may at a restructured deal as a backup operating again to Pollard, utilizing him primarily within the crimson zone. Elliott has much more worth in Dallas with a less expensive contract that is not a major cap hit.
Houston Texans: If Elliott nonetheless feels he is usually a lead again within the league, he would not should journey far out to get that chance. Houston has Damion Pierce as a starter, however Elliott would get the chance for touches. The Texans had been thirty first within the league in rush yards per sport, dashing touchdowns, and yards per carry — so any participant can be an improve for that offense. Elliott may definitely get his carries in Houston, paving the way in which for a younger quarterback.
Cincinnati Bengals: Losing Samaje Perine as the ability again in that offense was an enormous blow for the Bengals. Elliott may fill that void as the ability again to Joe Mixon, getting alternatives to rack up the powerful yards on third-and-short conditions and contained in the 20. Wouldn’t price a lot for Cincinnati both.
