Please do not get triggered by the headline. In no way are we endorsing the Dallas Cowboys signing an Ezekiel Elliott replacement.
The Cowboys should draft a running back in April to reset the money at the position, and potentially look into signing a veteran after the draft if they want to add a third back to the mix, or the draft doesn’t fall in their favor.
That seems unlikely given the sheer depth at the position in this year’s class, but it’s always smart to have contingency plans lined up.
With that in mind, let’s underline some free agent running backs who’d be a worthwhile use of Dallas’ cap space after Elliott was released.
3 Ezekiel Elliott replacements Cowboys can sign in free agency
3. Leonard Fournette
Fournette is perhaps the most like-for-like Elliott comp in this article. Fournette is one of multiple veterans the Buccaneers ditched following Tom Brady’s retirement. Now 28 years old, the former Super Bowl champ is likely eyeing a move to a contender where he can challenge for a secondary role.
That might be complicated on Dallas if the Cowboys draft someone earl, but it wouldn’t hurt to add a player of Lenny’s pedigree.
Fournette’s days of being an elite between-the-tackles back may be coming to an end, but he’s still a people-mover and averaged 2.31 yards after contact per attempt in 2022 despite running behind a horrid offensive line.
A move to the Cowboys could be just what Fournette needs to jumpstart the backend of is career. The only caveat here is that the six-year pro likely would’ve only sign in Dallas if the team didn’t draft a running back in April.
2. Devin Singletary
We actually had Texas native D’Onta Foreman in this space initially, but he has since signed with the Bears, so we pivot to Singletary.
The running back market has been unfriendly to say the least in free agency. Spotrac values Singletary at $5.5 million over three years. As one of the most underrated backs in the league, Singletary could make good on that projection.
Singletary has been a mainstay in the Bills backfield for the last four years. He never eclipsed 1,000 yards, but that can be attributed to Buffalo’s pass-dominant offense, running back by committee philosophy and asking Josh Allen to carry the rock several times per game.
At the end of the day, Singletary’s been an efficient runner for his career, never averaging fewer than 4.4 yards per carry and tallying 4.7 YPA in his career. He also brings versatility as a receiver. Over the last three seasons, he’s compiled 116 catches for 777 yards and two scores.
Make no mistake: Dallas could do a lot worse than Singletary.
1. Damien Harris
Harris is all but done in New England after the Patriots (somewhat surprisingly) signed James Robinson to a two-year deal in free agency. Harris had already lost the starting job to Rhamondre Stevenson, and with 2022 draft picks Pierre Strong Jr. and Kevin Harris still on the roster, Harris is headed elsewhere.
Pro Football Focus projects Harris to get $3.25 million per year with $3.75 million guaranteed and $6.5 million total on his next contract.
That’s doable for the Cowboys.
Last year was a forgettable season for Harris, but he was a force to be reckoned with the previous campaign. In 15 games, Harris galloped for 929 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on 4.6 yards per carry. His 15 scores trailed only Jonathan Taylor for the league lead.
For his career, Harris has averaged 4.7 yards per carry and 2.90 yards after contact per attempt, to go with 54 explosive runs (runs of 10 yards or more), and 66 missed tackles forced, 37 of which came during his breakout 2021.
If Dallas wants a bruiser between the tackles who’s hard to bring down near the goal line, Harris can fill that role in spades.
5 teams that could sign Ezekiel Elliott after Cowboys release
With the Dallas Cowboys deciding to move on from Ezekiel Elliott, he could find himself being courted by one of these five teams