FRISCO, Texas — In a stunning twist, Ezekiel Elliott is returning to the Dallas Cowboys for the 2024 NFL season. The Cowboys’ veteran running back has agreed to a new contract, reuniting him with the team that launched his professional career.
“We’re excited to see what lies ahead for Zeke in Dallas,” said team owner and general manager Jerry Jones at the end of the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Cowboys’ running back roster had been plagued with uncertainty, particularly after Tony Pollard departed in free agency. Rico Dowdle, who re-signed on a one-year contract, heads a roster otherwise filled with inexperienced players.
The return of Elliott was a topic of conversation in the Cowboys’ front office for weeks, culminating in a steak dinner meeting that sealed the deal. Dallas’ decision not to draft a running back in 2024 further affirmed Elliott’s place on the team.
Elliott had been released after the 2022 season in a cost-saving move. In 2023, he donned a No. 15 jersey for the New England Patriots, a nod to his days at Ohio State. There, he amassed 955 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns across five starts, showing he still has plenty to give.
“Absolutely,” said Jones when asked if Elliott can still be an NFL starter.
The lack of a drafted running back makes Elliott’s role as the Cowboys’ primary back nearly assured. This marks a return to a familiar place for Elliott, who was the fourth-overall pick for the Cowboys in the 2016 NFL Draft. Bucking the trend against the value of running backs, Elliott quickly proved his worth, earning PFWA All-Rookie Team honors, three Pro Bowl selections, and two All-Pro designations.
Elliott also led the NFL in rushing twice, complementing quarterback Dak Prescott in an offense that thrived. Even when injuries struck, such as his torn PCL in 2021, Elliott persevered, surpassing 1,000 rushing yards.
In total, Elliott has amassed 8,262 rushing yards and 68 touchdowns for Dallas, placing him third in the franchise’s history, trailing only Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett.
“Zeke is one of our favorites,” said Stephen Jones, the Cowboys’ executive vice president and director of player personnel. “He’s given everything to this franchise. He’s a fierce competitor, and we think the world of him.”
Elliott’s contributions extend beyond the field. His involvement with The Salvation Army and “For Oak Cliff,” a charity supporting underserved youth in Southwest Dallas, has cemented his place in the Dallas community.
Despite spending 2023 with the Patriots, Elliott’s commitment to Dallas has remained steadfast.
“Dallas is home to me,” Elliott said last September. “Most of my family is already in Dallas.”
Now, Elliott’s return marks a reunion both on and off the field, setting the stage for an exciting 2024 season.
