According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Dallas Cowboys and former running back Ezekiel Elliott have “mutual interest” in a reunion this offseason.
With that in mind, here are three reasons why bringing Elliott back would be a good move for the Cowboys.
Familiarity
Seeing Elliott rocking a New England Patriots helmet during the 2023 campaign after donning the iconic Cowboys’ star for seven seasons just never looked right. The Cowboys can right that wrong by letting the 28-year-old come home, where he should fittingly finish off his NFL career.
He’s only been away for a year, so the vast majority of the team, players and staff included, is the same. Most importantly, Elliott already has a relationship with quarterback Dak Prescott, who called him a brother and “best friend,” after the Cowboys released the former first-rounder last offseason.
Aside from making Elliott the No. 1 back, it’s hard to find a negative in a return to Arlington.
Signing Elliott doesn’t prevent the Cowboys from drafting a RB
The Cowboys have seven picks in this year’s NFL Draft, and even if Elliott returns, they’re still likely to invest one of those selections in a running back. Dallas may fill other positions of need first but could find a potential starting-caliber back in the third round and beyond.
The Cowboys will inevitably add at the position with only 56 combined carries between the four running backs currently on the roster. Why not Elliott, plus a rookie?
Dallas could target Trey Benson (Florida State), Braelon Allen (Wisconsin), Tyrone Tracy Jr. (Purdue) and Jaylen Wright (Tennessee) in the draft.
Elliott might still have something left in the tank
Aside from an 80-yard explosion in Week 3 against the New York Jets, Elliott had a sluggish start with the Patriots. Over his first nine games, he averaged only 30 yards off eight carries and two receptions for eight yards per contest. However, while the uptick wasn’t dramatic, he did improve down the stretch.
Over the final eight games, Elliott averaged more carries (14) and yards per game (46 yards) coming out of the backfield. Meanwhile, he was much more involved in the passing game, recording two receiving touchdowns — one short of a career-high — while averaging five receptions for 30 yards.
If the Cowboys don’t ask him to carry the load, Elliott could be a positive contributor next to a rookie back.
