Ezekiel Elliott says 'precedence' was to return to Cowboys

by Christina S. Brown
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Ezekiel Elliott by no means wished to depart the Dallas Cowboys.

The three-time Professional Bowler is again in Dallas after spending final season with the New England Patriots, formally signing a deal to re-join the Cowboys on Tuesday. Now, Elliott is the place he desires to be. 

“This was my precedence. Doing what I might do to get again right here,” Elliott advised the Star-Telegram on Monday after he reportedly agreed to a deal to signal again with the Cowboys. “I’ve so much left to perform right here. I am excited to get again with the fellas and chase that ring.”

Elliott was launched by the Cowboys in 2023 in a cap-clearing transfer. Dallas practically saved $11 million by releasing Elliott, who was coming off a season the place he rushed for a career-low 876 yards on 3.8 yards per carry at 27. Nevertheless, he additionally rushed for 12 touchdowns in 2022. 

Rumors of a doable reunion between Elliott and the Cowboys lingered shortly after his launch from New England in March 2023. Dak Prescott said on a number of events that he’d wish to see the crew deliver again Elliott, who he shaped a detailed bond with as they had been drafted collectively in 2016. Jerry Jones additionally remained open to the concept all through the 2023 offseason.

However after months of ready for the subsequent alternative, Elliott joined the Patriots in the midst of coaching camp on a one-year deal. Whereas he set new profession lows in speeding yards and yards per carry, Elliott was an efficient backup to Rhamondre Stevenson. He rushed for 642 yards on 3.5 yards per carry, including 51 receptions for 313 yards with 5 complete touchdowns as he was a uncommon spark for a Patriots offense that was arguably the worst in soccer.

Shortly after New England’s season ended, Elliott reemerged in Dallas, attending the Cowboys’ playoff loss to the Inexperienced Bay Packers. With Tony Pollard leaving in free company and the Cowboys not doing a lot to deal with the place earlier within the offseason, rumors of a reunion between Elliott and Dallas surfaced forward of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Elliott advised the Star-Telegram that he appears like “I am nonetheless a starter,” sharing that he is in good well being after a PCL damage affected his final season with the Cowboys.

“I believe I am good,” Elliott mentioned. “My physique felt actually good final yr. My physique felt good all of final yr. I acquired my bodily. My PCL appears to be healed. So health-wise, I believe that I am positively higher than once I left.”

Why Ezekiel Elliott’s return doesn’t assist the Cowboys

Why Ezekiel Elliott's return does not help the Cowboys

The Cowboys’ working backs room does not have many notable names and definitely does not have anybody who’s ever produced on the degree Elliott has had in his profession. Elliott can be competing with Rico Dowdle, Royce Freeman, Deuce Vaughn, Malik Davis, Snoop Connor and undrafted rookie Nathaniel Peat for a task on the Cowboys in 2024.

Nevertheless, Elliott can be targeted on successful. He helped usher in a brand new period of Cowboys soccer once they chosen him with the fourth general choose in 2016, partnering up with Prescott to assist them go 14-2 and win the NFC East as rookies. Elliott rising as one of many sport’s finest working backs helped the Cowboys stay in playoff rivalry for a lot of his first seven years with the crew, speeding for over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns 4 occasions.

However the Cowboys by no means acquired over the hump throughout Elliott’s first tenure. They made it to the postseason 4 occasions with Elliott, by no means advancing previous the NFC Divisional Spherical as they misplaced in that spherical thrice.

Elliott is hoping his second tenure in Dallas ends in a different way. 

“From 2016, we have been engaged on constructing this franchise to get an opportunity to win the Tremendous Bowl,” Elliott mentioned. “That’s clearly the precedence. That is the bar.”


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