The Dallas Cowboys Say Goodbye to RB Ezekiel Elliott, Source Confirms to ESPN
In a shocking turn of events that has sent ripples throughout the NFL, the Dallas Cowboys are officially parting ways with star running back Ezekiel Elliott, according to a reliable source who confirmed the move to ESPN. The decision, which ends a tumultuous chapter in the Cowboys’ history, marks the end of an era for both the franchise and the player, as Elliott’s six-year tenure in Dallas comes to a close.
Ezekiel Elliott’s journey with the Cowboys began in 2016 when the team selected him with the fourth overall pick in the NFL Draft. Immediately, Elliott made a significant impact, helping to rejuvenate a Cowboys offense that had been struggling in the years prior. In his rookie season, Elliott rushed for an impressive 1,631 yards and 15 touchdowns, earning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and solidifying himself as one of the most dominant backs in the league.
For the next several years, Elliott was the focal point of Dallas’ offense. His unique combination of power, vision, and speed made him one of the most feared running backs in the NFL. He was a consistent performer, racking up multiple 1,000-yard seasons and leading the Cowboys’ ground game to prominence.
However, despite his early success, Elliott’s career began to take a few unexpected turns. Injuries, combined with the evolving landscape of the NFL, led to a decline in his production over the last few seasons. Additionally, the Cowboys’ offense began to shift focus toward their passing game, with quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receivers like Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb emerging as central figures in the team’s attack.
In recent seasons, Elliott’s role in the Cowboys’ offense had become a point of contention. After leading the NFL in rushing yards for two consecutive years (2016 and 2017), Elliott’s numbers began to plateau. Despite his efforts, injuries to his knee and ankle began to take a toll on his performance, and he was no longer the same explosive back that he had been earlier in his career.
In 2021, Elliott played through knee pain and struggled to reach the high standards he had set in previous years. Despite playing in all 17 games, he finished with 1,002 rushing yards—his lowest total since his rookie year. His yards per carry average dipped significantly, and his inability to break big runs further hurt his stock. While he still had some productive moments, it became clear that the Cowboys’ offense needed a change.
The emergence of Tony Pollard, a younger and more explosive running back, only added to the pressure on Elliott. Pollard showed flashes of brilliance, including a standout 2022 season, where he eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards and demonstrated superior burst and playmaking ability compared to Elliott. Pollard’s success forced the Cowboys to reconsider their running back rotation and, ultimately, their financial commitment to Elliott.
Elliott’s contract with the Cowboys was a major talking point in recent years, as it became increasingly clear that the team would have to make tough financial decisions to stay under the salary cap. Elliott’s $90 million contract extension signed in 2019 was structured to pay him significantly over the next few seasons, but his declining performance made it difficult for the Cowboys to justify the high cost.
While Elliott remained a fan favorite and a respected leader in the locker room, the financial realities of the NFL and the evolution of the running back position made this parting inevitable. The Cowboys’ front office, led by general manager Jerry Jones, made the difficult decision to release the former Pro Bowler, opening up cap space and allowing them to shift their focus to younger and more dynamic players.
The decision is also a clear signal that the Cowboys are fully committed to Pollard, who was given the franchise tag earlier this offseason, and will likely serve as the team’s primary back moving forward. Pollard’s versatility as both a runner and a receiving threat makes him a perfect fit for the modern NFL, where passing games dominate and running backs need to contribute in multiple ways.
While the Cowboys are moving on, Ezekiel Elliott’s NFL journey is far from over. At just 27 years old, Elliott still has plenty of football left in him, and he will certainly be an attractive option for teams looking to add a veteran running back to their roster. His history of production, leadership, and toughness will surely earn him opportunities to continue playing at a high level.
Possible landing spots for Elliott include teams in need of a solid backup running back or a change-of-pace back. Teams like the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, or even the New England Patriots—where head coach Bill Belichick is known for taking in veteran players and maximizing their potential—could be ideal fits for Elliott.
While his days in Dallas have come to an end, Elliott’s legacy as one of the most dynamic and physically gifted running backs of his generation is secure. His name will forever be linked with the Cowboys’ successes during the 2010s, and his impact on the franchise will not be easily forgotten.
For the Dallas Cowboys, the decision to move on from Elliott represents a significant shift in philosophy. The team is clearly betting on the future with Pollard, who has shown the potential to become one of the league’s top backs. Additionally, the Cowboys will likely look to add depth at the position through the draft or free agency, as they continue to build a balanced and efficient offense.
With a core group of talented players and a new focus on a high-powered passing attack, the Cowboys are aiming for a deep postseason run. In parting ways with Elliott, they are signaling that they are ready to embrace a new era—one where speed, versatility, and fresh talent take center stage.
The decision to part ways with Ezekiel Elliott marks the end of an era for the Dallas Cowboys and signals the beginning of a new chapter for both the team and the veteran running back. While the departure may be bittersweet for fans, it also reflects the team’s commitment to adapting to the changing landscape of the NFL. As Elliott prepares for the next phase of his career, the Cowboys will focus on building a roster capable of competing for a championship, with Tony Pollard poised to lead the charge in the backfield.