Cowboys Had One Reason For Cutting Ezekiel Elliott
The Dallas Cowboys released Ezekiel Elliott on Tuesday.
According to the team, Elliott requested his release before their Week 18 game against the Washington Commanders. The 7-9 Cowboys are out of playoff contention following three consecutive 12-win campaigns.
Via NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said he granted Elliott's wish so the Pro Bowl running back could explore openings to sign with a playoff team.
"Out of respect and appreciation for Zeke and wanting to provide him with an opportunity to pursue any potential playoff participation possible, we are releasing him from the Cowboys roster today," Jones said. "As I have said many times previously, Zeke's impact as one of the greatest to ever play with the Star on their helmet will never change and is etched in our record books and history forever. We thank him, love him, and wish him the absolute best."
Elliott must first clear waivers, so a team down the standings could thwart that plan by claiming him. However, it seems unlikely an organization eliminated from the playoffs would sign a veteran running back for an inconsequential Week 18 game.
ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 16: Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs for a first down during the NFC Wild Card game between the Dallas Cowboys and the San Francisco 49ers on January 16, 2022 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The situation is reminiscent of Dalvin Cook joining the Baltimore Ravens right before the 2023 playoffs after he and the New York Jets mutually agreed to part ways. Cook took eight carries for 23 yards in a lopsided Divisional Round win over the Houston Texans before not playing the AFC Championship Game.
Like Cook last season, Elliott doesn't appear to have much left in the tank.
For the third straight year, Elliott is setting a new personal nadir in yards per carry. The average has dipped from 3.8 to 3.5 to 3.1.
He's gained 295 yards on 86 touches with just three broken tackles. Elliott notched his only double-digit run (11 yards) in Week 8 and ended his second Cowboys tenure with two yards on three carries in Sunday's 41-7 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Elliott probably won't find enhanced playing time for a team chasing the Lombardi Trophy. But perhaps the Detroit Lions could make sense as an insurance policy for David Montgomery, who has missed the last two games with an MCL injury.
