Brief Stay In New England

Ezekiel Elliott: From Patriots to Cowboys, Understanding the Release

Brief Stay in New England

Ezekiel Elliott, the former New England Patriots running back, has returned to the Dallas Cowboys after a short stint in Foxboro. The move comes as a surprise to many, as Elliott had only recently signed a one-year contract with the Patriots.

Reasons Behind the Release

The Cowboys' decision to release Elliott is reportedly based on three primary reasons:

1. Salary Cap Considerations: Elliott's contract counted $6 million against the Cowboys' 2024 salary cap in dead money from his first stint in Dallas. His new contract would add to this burden, making it financially challenging for the team to retain him.
2. Performance Concerns: While Elliott had a solid season with the Patriots, he wasn't as productive as he was during his tenure in Dallas. The Cowboys may have felt that his age and recent injuries made him a less valuable asset.
3. Roster Management: The Cowboys currently have several talented running backs on their roster, including Tony Pollard and Rico Dowdle. Releasing Elliott gives the team more flexibility to distribute carries and develop their younger players.

Elliott's Return to Dallas

Elliott is expected to sign a one-year contract worth up to $3 million with the Cowboys. This move signals a reunion between the running back and the team that drafted him fourth overall in 2016.

Elliott's return is likely to have a positive impact on the Cowboys' offense. He remains a talented and experienced player who can provide a boost to the team's running game. It will be interesting to see how the Cowboys utilize Elliott in his second stint with the franchise.