Ezekiel Elliott Returns to Dallas Cowboys on One-Year Deal

Reunion with the Hometown Team

After spending a year in New England, running back Ezekiel Elliott is returning to the Dallas Cowboys on a one-year, $3 million deal. Despite the significant pay cut from his previous contract, Elliott appears excited to be back in Dallas, where he spent the first seven seasons of his career. The Cowboys drafted Elliott with the fourth overall pick in 2016, and he quickly became a fan favorite, rushing for over 1,000 yards in each of his first three seasons. Elliott's return to Dallas comes after a disappointing season with the Patriots, where he averaged just under 38 yards per game. However, the Cowboys believe that Elliott still has plenty to offer, and they are hoping that a return to familiar surroundings will help him rediscover his old form.

Cowboys' Running Back Situation

The Cowboys' running back situation has been in flux since Elliott left for New England. Tony Pollard, who was drafted in 2019, was expected to take over as the lead running back, but he has struggled to stay healthy and has not been able to consistently produce at a high level. In addition to Pollard, the Cowboys also have Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott

• Rico Dowdle
• Ezekiel Elliott
• Sewo Olonilua

on their roster, but neither player has proven to be a reliable option. The Cowboys are hoping that Elliott's return will provide them with some much-needed stability at the running back position.

Elliott's Impact on the Cowboys

Elliott's return to Dallas is expected to have a major impact on the Cowboys' offense. He is a physical runner who is known for his ability to break tackles and gain tough yards. Elliott's presence will also help to open up the passing game for quarterback Dak Prescott. In addition to his on-field contributions, Elliott is also a valuable leader in the locker room. He is respected by his teammates and coaches, and he is always willing to put in the extra work. Elliott's return to Dallas is a major boost for the Cowboys, both on and off the field.

Potential Drawbacks

While Elliott's return to Dallas is generally seen as a positive development, there are some potential drawbacks. First, Elliott is not the same player he was a few years ago. He is now 28 years old and has a lot of mileage on his body. There is no guarantee that he will be able to produce at a high level for the Cowboys. Second, Elliott's return could block the development of younger running backs like Pollard and Dowdle. The Cowboys need to find a long-term solution at the running back position, and it is not clear if Elliott is that solution. Despite these potential drawbacks, the Cowboys are confident that Elliott's return will be a positive for the team. They believe that he can still be a productive player, and they are hopeful that he can help them reach their goal of winning a Super Bowl.