NFL analyst predicts Cowboys will sign Ezekiel Elliott
While we're in an entirely new chapter of the Dallas Cowboys – Ezekiel Elliott relationship, it's not the epilogue just yet. While the team released the former No. 4 overall pick, it sure as heck hasn't moved on. Even Jerry Jones said publicly the Cowboys hadn't closed that door despite selecting running back Deuce Vaughn […]
While we're in an entirely new chapter of the Dallas Cowboys – Ezekiel Elliott relationship, it's not the epilogue just yet. While the team released the former No. 4 overall pick, it sure as heck hasn't moved on.
Even Jerry Jones said publicly the Cowboys hadn't closed that door despite selecting running back Deuce Vaughn in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. And the biggest reason why it's difficult to deny the possibility of a reunion is because there is a fit.
That's what led NFL analyst Bill Barnwell from ESPN to make a post-draft prediction saying the Cowboys will re-sign Zeke.
For a Cowboys team which already had plenty of hesitation about featuring Pollard for more than 30 snaps per game, bringing back Elliott on a cheaper deal would provide security at one of the team's thinnest positions. Pollard is still recovering from the fractured left fibula he suffered during the postseason, so if the Cowboys don't want to rush him back into the lineup in September, Elliott's ability to pass protect and run effectively between the tackles would be a plus for coach Mike McCarthy. If Elliott — who ran for 876 yards and 12 TDs last season — is not going to land a deal for more than $5 million somewhere else, why not stay home in Dallas?
– Bill Barnwell, ESPN
Just like Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith said during an appearance on NFL Network a couple of weeks ago, this whole conversation hinges on Pollard's health. If the team believes he's not ready to go to start the season, the need for a workhorse could be felt on offense.
It's clear that you wouldn't bring Zeke back banking on his explosiveness. Over the last three seasons, his explosive plays (10+ yard runs) have been cut in almost half compared to the start of his career. However, if you're looking for a guy you can lean on when it comes time to pound the rock time and time again, Zeke might be one of the best options.
And of course, although it would be a high-profile signing, it would certainly not break the bank. The main reason why Elliott was cut was the hefty price tag tied to his name. Chances are the Cowboys could bring him for less than $5M.
And yet two questions come to mind as we discuss this scenario.
- Does Elliott want to return to Dallas in a backup role after being ousted this very offseason?
- Behind Pollard, the Cowboys could have a committee made up of (for example) Davis/Dowdle, Vaughn, and Luepke (FB). Would they rather bet on such a committee than on Zeke?
If it was me making the call, I'd probably lean with the committee and move on. Elliott's explosiveness hasn't been the same over the last few years and I'm confident I can get 20-30 snaps per game out of the group the Cowboys have right now.
With OTAs right around the corner, we'll likely find out the answers to those questions pretty soon.
