Cowboys fans' Ezekiel Elliott dream may actually become a reality
By Jerry Trotta
So, Dallas Cowboys free agency might actually start getting fun. Other teams might have differing definitions of fun, but Cowboys fans finally have something to hold onto now that Dallas is finally getting linked to free agents. Could a reunion with Ezekiel Elliott be in the works?
It was reported early Wednesday that there's mutual interest between the Cowboys and free agent running back A.J. Dillon.
The Giants and Colts are other teams in play for Dillon, but Cowboys team writer Patrik Walker took fans for a spin on Wednesday when he reiterated a rumor he initially spilled on the "Cowboys Break" podcast. Per Walker, dialogue has "remained open" between Elliott and the Cowboys and that their relationship didn't strain after Elliott was released last offseason.
Walker added he wouldn't rule out Zeke returning to the Cowboys.
Dillon is in play, I believe, but I'll also repeat what I said on @CowboysBreak:
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) March 13, 2024
I wouldn't rule out a possible reunion with Ezekiel Elliott (and then also drafting an RB to tandem).
His relationship with the #Cowboys is still positive and the dialogue has remained open. https://t.co/FbM9wCgl1b
Cowboys reportedly kicking the tires on re-signing Ezekiel Elliott in free agency
How's that for a surprise?
Elliott is obviously nowhere near the world-beater he was during his prime, but we like to think fans would prefer Elliott to Dillon. A two-time rushing champ with the Cowboys, Elliott quietly put together a strong season for the Patriots last season. He posted a career-low 3.5 yards per carry, but that can be attributed to New England's porous offense.
There were long stretches in 2023 when Elliott outperformed starter Rhamondre Stevenson, who missed five games through injury. Elliott produced an impressive 69.2 rushing grade and 2.54 yards after contact per carry, per Pro Football Focus. He also had one of his most productive seasons as a receiver with 51 catches for 313 yards and two touchdowns.
Even entering his age-29 season, Elliott would be a superior signing to Dillon, who somehow posted a worse yards per carry (3.4) than the former Cowboy. Aaron Jones, whom Dallas whiffed on in free agency, averaged over a yard more per carry than Dillon behind the same offensive line.
.@SlaterNFL mentioned the report about AJ Dillon being connected to the Dallas Cowboys just now on NFL Network
— RJ Ochoa (@rjochoa) March 13, 2024
She noted that she believes the feeling is mutual
"I think what the Cowboys are looking to do here is trying to replicate a Tony Pollard, Ezekiel Elliott situation"
There's no comparing Elliott and Dillon as rushers. If it's between Elliott and Dillon to assume the power back role in 2024, it has to be Elliott.
It never felt right that the Cowboys released Zeke, even if it was unequivocally the right move. His contract made it an easy decision. If Dillon is the only other running back in Dallas' crosshairs, an Elliott reunion makes all the sense in the world, both from a personnel and emotional standpoint.
Bring him back!
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