Dallas Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott currently has the fifth-highest cap hit going into the 2023 offseason. Elliott continues to express desire to return to the Cowboys for his eighth season but won't be able to under his current contract.

As far as the position as a whole, his running mate Pro Bowl RB Tony Pollard is looking for a nice extension, but may be forced to play under the franchise tag. As his deal is much more complicated than a normal RB deal. 

Which leaves Elliott and his $16.7 million cap hit. The Cowboys have a handful of options for how they can approach it this offseason.

If Pollard comes back, on the tag or otherwise, Elliott cannot maintain his current pay grade.

Assuming Elliott would come back on a reduced salary, his role cannot be someone who has more touches than Pollard. If Elliott is to come back simply as a short-yardage, pass blocking, receiving, lead blocking back, it's not only as RB2, but perhaps a modified position.

There's no doubt Elliott still has plenty of value as a player, despite not having the same burst as his earlier seasons. However, his value may be best served as a modified fullback.

A similar build to All-Pro Kyle Juszczyk, Elliott's role is no longer that of the lead back but has the skills necessary to make a second career should there be interest from all parties.

The Dallas Cowboys often had both backs on the field at the same time and so a continuation of it could still lead to solid results.

Even with Pollard coming off injury, the Cowboys will lean on the run under HC Mike McCarthy's system. Enacted by new OC Brian Schottenheimer.

The Cowboys have seemed content on a 50/50 split in the past but Pollard over the last two seasons has shown to be the better back in the present day.

Making a transition from RB to FB isn't necessarily an easy move for Elliott, but he still possess skills to become a dangerous weapon out of the backfield.

If the Cowboys bring him back to be a true RB with his skill having deteriorated as they have, it's only more of the same. Showing loyalty to a player at the detriment of the team.

Something that has yet to work out in their favor for "long term success".

Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron of USA TODAY Sports