Purported reason Ezekiel Elliot hasn't signed anywhere will disappoint Cowboys fans

The NFL offseason is over two months old and Ezekiel Elliott still hasn't signed with a new team. With every day that passes and that remains unchanged, it's fair to say Zeke's chances of returning to the Dallas Cowboys increases.

Unless Elliott's value around the league completely torpedoed after the 2022 season, or he's being unreasonable with his contract demands, it's pretty surprising the former All-Pro hasn't been scooped up by another team.

While other running backs like Kareem Hunt, Leonard Fournette and Mark Ingram, among others, are all available, none of them have Elliott's track record.

There's no denying that Elliott has lost a step, but very few backs are better at falling forward and picking up tough yards. Surely there's a team out there in need of a bully back who thrives in short-yard situations and around the goal line, right?

No doubt, but former Cowboys RBs coach Skip Peete -- now in the same position with the Buccaneers -- offered some insight as to why the former No. 4 overall pick is still a free agent. Peete's answer might disappoint Dallas fans.

Fomer Cowboys RBs coach Skip Peete on why Ezekiel Elliott remains unsigned

Essentially, Peete believes Elliott is having a difficult time accepting that he's no longer a workhorse running back.

“I think that’s part of the reason he's sitting out there," Peete said, via theTampa Bay Times. “If you’re going to play, I mean, you’re going to be the second and third guy. That’s kind of what the price is. So. that’s something that a person has to be able to see that that is what it is going to be.”

That quote is a difficult read for Cowboys fans. For one, Peete and Elliott formed a close relationship during their time in Dallas, so please don't interpret this as a shot at Elliott. Peete is merely keeping it real. He knows Elliott better than most, so it stands to reason that his answer stands on sturdy legs.

Like any declining or aging athlete, Elliott seemingly is finding it difficult transitioning to the next chapter of his career. There's an ego and pride variable to consider, and it can't be easy for Zeke to accept being the No. 2 back on a team after he spent his first seven seasons in the league as a workhorse.

For five of those seasons, Elliott was no worse than a top-five running back. During Elliott's peak between his rookie and third season -- a span in which he won two rushing titles -- he was arguably the NFL's best back.

The Buccaneers have been mentioned as a potential landing spot for Zeke, but them and other potential suitors likely won't bite at offering the player a contract if he doesn't change his tone about accepting a new role.

That's the sad and hard truth.

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