With free agency and the NFL draft approaching, the Dallas Cowboys have to make some tough decisions about several roster spots. Maybe the most intriguing one is what they're going to do with running back Ezekiel Elliott.

Elliott has been with the Cowboys for seven seasons, but the last three haven't been spectacular as he's failed to reach 1,000 yards in two of them, and in 2022, he didn't have a 100-yard performance for the first time in his career.

NFL writer Gregg Rosenthal said on Wednesday that the once-fan favorite needs to play elsewhere in 2023.

"It's obvious the Cowboys held on to Elliott a year too long, partly because they felt boxed in financially. Keeping him under any circumstances for another season is a sign that Jerry Jones' biggest problem of the last 30 years — self-scouting — may only be getting worse.

"The Cowboys can save nearly $11 million by parting ways with Zeke as a post June-1 release. Using that money on a Tony Pollard contract/franchise tag makes sense because this offense is short on playmakers. Using the savings to find Dak Prescott another wideout would also work."

Elliott did have 12 rushing touchdowns this season including a nine-game stretch where he scored at least one. But most of them came inside the five-yard line which was where most of his value was in 2022, short yardage. It's not like that isn't a good thing to have from a runner, but when he's on a deal that pays $15 million annually like Elliott, that's simply not enough.

The former first-round pick wants to be with the Cowboys going forward and is willing to significantly reduce his salary to make that happen. While that's commendable and speaks to Elliott’s dedication to the Cowboys' organization, Dallas could find a player in the draft that could give them what he brings to the table at this point and it will be at a much cheaper rate, while possibly keeping an explosive weapon like Pollard in the process.

Dallas is notorious for wanting to hold on to their draft picks especially considering they're not the biggest spenders when it comes to free agency. However, at some point, what's best for the team has to override that, and in Elliott’s case, parting ways may be the best thing to do.

It's all speculation right now about what will happen with Elliott. However, it will be one of the biggest talking points regardless of the outcome.

Feature image via Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports