The Dallas Cowboys have released Ezekiel Elliott ahead of the team’s final game of the 2024 NFL season. Elliott signed a one-year, $2 million deal with the Cowboys in April but failed to make any impact during the year.
Dallas has missed out on the playoffs, and the franchise respected the veteran running back’s wish to be released. Elliott is aiming to sign with a playoff contender, and the timing of his release from the Cowboys will allow him to get used to a new team in time for the postseason.
Ezekiel Elliott’s Release From Cowboys Sparks Reactions From Fans
Cowboys fans were quite surprised after hearing about Elliott’s release. The majority of them questioned the reason behind signing the 29-year-old running back before the season, as his best days were behind him.
Elliott rushed for 226 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games this season, averaging a career-low 3.1 yards per carry. The Cowboys have the sixth-worst running game in the league, as they averaged just 97.2 rushing yards per game.
For most of the season, Dallas’ run game was among the very worst in the league, but Rico Dowdle’s emergence in the past few weeks has improved the team’s numbers. Elliott’s signing didn’t make a difference in 2024, and fans were also upset as the ownership didn’t sign Derrick Henry in the offseason.
Here are some of the reactions from the Cowboys’ fans:
Bringing him back was a joke https://t.co/jWu89mGevL
— NBA DumbBoy 🏀 (@BandoPapi_) December 31, 2024
“Friendly reminder that they [Cowboys] turned down signing Derrick Henry,” said a fan.
“What was the point of signing him again?” asked another fan.
Such a waste of a roster spot all season https://t.co/xtUsnvAMXr
— Mr. G (@_IronShef_) December 31, 2024
“Should have never brought him back,” added one fan.
“Long overdue. Love Zeke, but he is washed,” said another fan.
Never forget we chose him over Derrick Henry https://t.co/JYxQpsfET5
— Gmanski (@gmanski3) December 31, 2024
The Cowboys drafted Elliott with the fourth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, and he had a prolific start to his career in the NFL. However, his stats went down every year, and his output declined massively after signing a six-year, $90 million extension in 2019.
The three-time Pro Bowler was released by the Cowboys in 2023. He then played one season for the New England Patriots before returning to Dallas in 2024. Unfortunately, the move didn’t work out for him, and the Ohio State product may have played his last game for the team he started his career with.
Jerry Jones Explains Decision To Release Elliott
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones confirmed that the NFC East franchise respected Elliott’s demand to be released as he wanted to play in the postseason.
“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, per ESPN’s Ed Werder.
“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’s agent, Rocky Arceneaux, thanked the Cowboys owner and the franchise for releasing his client and highlighted that the running back still has “got a lot of good football left in him.”
Ezekiel Elliott’s agent Rocky Arceneaux of @Alliance_Sports added a statement:
“I’d like to thank Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys for affording Zeke this unique opportunity in granting us our release. Even though nothing is imminent, Zeke is excited about the possibilities… https://t.co/u3XVquHn32
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) December 31, 2024
As of now, it’s hard to predict which playoff team would be interested in signing Elliott. But, since the player himself wanted to be released by the Cowboys, his agent must have talked with teams around the league that are looking to add him to the roster for the playoffs.
With Elliott gone, the Cowboys should try their best to draft a talent like Ashton Jeanty in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Boise State running back is one of the best prospects in the upcoming draft class and could be an instant impactful player for Dallas at a position of utmost need.