Dallas Cowboys Opt Not to Draft Running Back: Is Ezekiel Elliott’s Return on the Horizon?

Dallas Cowboys Opt Not to Draft Running Back: Is Ezekiel Elliott’s Return on the Horizon?

 

In a surprising turn of events during the 2024 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys chose to address several roster needs but notably refrained from selecting a running back. This decision has sparked speculation about the potential return of former star Ezekiel Elliott to the team.

 

During a pre-draft press conference, Cowboys Executive Vice President Stephen Jones acknowledged discussions with Elliott and his agent but revealed that no deal had been finalized. Despite considering various running back options, the Cowboys found themselves in situations where the preferred choices were unavailable when their picks came up.

 

Last season’s starting running back, Tony Pollard, departed for the Tennessee Titans in the offseason, leaving the Cowboys with a vacuum in the position. However, the team did add Royce Freeman through free agency and retained Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn from the previous roster.

 

While the Cowboys bolstered their offensive line with three draft picks, they remained without a clear solution at running back. Nonetheless, Jones expressed confidence in addressing this issue during the offseason, emphasizing the importance of a strong offensive line to support the running game.

 

 

 

Owner and General Manager Jerry Jones hinted at the possibility of acquiring a running back via trade during the season, citing successful instances of teams winning Super Bowls after midseason acquisitions. This statement has reignited speculation about Elliott’s potential return to Dallas.

 

 

 

Selected fourth overall by the Cowboys in the 2016 NFL Draft, Elliott spent eight seasons with the franchise before being released last March. Despite leading the New England Patriots in rushing yards during the previous season, Elliott’s performance has faced scrutiny due to a lower yards-per-carry average.

 

 

 

Reporters pressed Cowboys leadership about the prospect of resigning Elliott, prompting positive remarks from Jerry Jones. Praising Elliott’s character and influence in the locker room, Jones expressed openness to welcoming him back to the team.

 

 

 

As the Cowboys navigate the offseason, the potential return of Ezekiel Elliott looms large, offering a familiar face and proven talent to their backfield. While negotiations remain ongoing, fans eagerly await further developments as the team prepares for the upcoming season.