Heartbreak filled the Dallas-Fort Worth area as the NFL’s two time rushing title recipient was released by the Dallas Cowboys at the start of NFL free agency on March 15th. Ezekiel Elliott has been a staple of the Cowboys offense since he was drafted fourth overall in the 2016 NFL Draft. Being a high draft pick comes with the territory of receiving a big paycheck following your rookie contract. This was the case for Ezekiel Elliott, signing a six year $90 million extension in 2019. This extension manifested itself from Zeke’s offensive production outburst in 2016 and 2018, winning two rushing titles in three years. By releasing the once three down running back, the Cowboys front office has dumped a $16.4 million cap hit. This allowed the Cowboys to sign 25 year old running back Ronald Jones II and draft Kansas State’s Deuce Vaughn in the 2023 NFL Draft
End of an era: The #Cowboys have informed former NFL rushing champ Ezekiel Elliott that they are releasing him, per me and @TomPelissero. He’ll be designated as a post-June 1 release to create cap space. pic.twitter.com/QKZhkny76i
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2023
Change In Production
The NFL has grown accustomed to using a productive running back like Ezekiel Elliott for five years and then replacing them in free agency or draft. With the addition of Ronald Jones II, Deuce Vaughn, and the breakout year of Tony Pollard to overlap into the 2023 season. Fans in Dallas should expect to see the three time Pro-Bowler in Elliott play for another franchise in the upcoming season. Cowboys fans could have predicted this after seeing Pollard; contribute on more passing plays, rushing the ball for over 1,000 yards, 9 rushing touchdowns, and 3 receiving. Elliott did not have the worst season, rushing for 876 yards and 12 touchdowns but you could see the regression in Elliott’s speed and stamina in 2022. Elliott only averaged 3.8 yards per carry while Pollard averaged 5.2. This lack of production also stemmed from how the Cowboys used Zeke in their offensive schemes.
New Expectations
If Ezekiel Elliott wants to find a new home in an efficient manner, Elliott needs to create new expectations for what he will bring to an offense. Rather than being the workhorse of old, Zeke will need to realize his new role will consist of third down conversions and goal line opportunities. From a fantasy football perspective, Zeke could be a great vulture pick if he is utilized primarily as a short yardage back. If Elliott can come to this realization he could still contribute at a high level in specific situations and formations.
Conclusions
If Ezekiel Elliott has not signed with a team by the end of July, I wouldn’t be surprised if a team like the Buffalo Bills scooped up Elliott on a one year deal as they load up for another deep postseason run in 2023. This process might be longer than Zeke was expecting due to the quality of running backs on the market this summer. Dalvin Cook, Leonard Fornette, Miles Sanders, and Josh Jacobs are other big names that are pricking up the ears of NFL front offices, another factor as to why Elliott has not been signed. It has been three months since the start of NFL free agency and I believe it might take another three months for Elliott to find a new home. Regardless of how much time it takes, Ezekiel Elliott can provide production in short yardage situations. The key to the equation is finding the right system for the 27 year old running back to hopefully contribute in a two or three back system. If Elliott cannot contribute in this type of setting I feel his time in the NFL will be coming to a close sooner than most expected.
