This deal has been in the works for several days now, but since communication has existed for several weeks (if not more), the door is always open for Elliott to make it back to the beginning of this season.
A steak dinner last week helped seal the deal, as did the Cowboys opting out of this year’s draft without selecting a running back — a decision that echoes, though not entirely, Elliott’s impending Was based on his belief in the return.
After being released by the Cowboys following the 2022 season, which was based solely on salary cap constraints, Elliott changed his jersey to number 15 – a tribute to his dominance at Ohio State – and signed with the New England Patriots. Signed with, where he had a solid campaign gaining 955 yards from scrimmage with five touchdowns in five starts.
His 235 touches last season for Bill Belichick prove the 28-year-old still has plenty of mileage left in his tires.
Do the Cowboys believe Elliott can still be a starter in the NFL?
Considering that none of the Cowboys’ eight draft selections returned, Elliott is promised to regain the RB1 role in Dallas.
He began his first stint with the Cowboys as their fourth-overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, bucking a trend around the league regarding declining evaluations at the running back position. He performed brilliantly in his first year out of Ohio State and earned PFWA All-Rookie Team honors, before ultimately earning three Pro Bowl awards and honors as a two-time All-Pro.
Also a two-time NFL rushing champion, Elliott helped quarterback Dak Prescott take the Cowboys’ offense to recently familiar heights while being one of the most durable players in the league.
And when he suffered injuries, for example, a torn PCL in 2021, he often fought through it to remain available — a testament to his determination and leadership — yet surpassed the 1,000-yard mark that season. Did it.
Overall, Elliott rushed for a total of 8,262 yards and 68 touchdowns, which ranked third behind Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett, while he surpassed Dorsett in average rushing yards per game (80.2).
“As we all know, Zeke is one of our favorites,” said executive vice president and director of player personnel Stephen Jones. “He’s staked out this franchise. He’s the ultimate competitor and we obviously think very highly of him.”
Equally important, and arguably even more so, has been his continued dedication to the local community in Dallas through his work with The Salvation Army and “For Oak Cliff” – the latter a local charity that serves southwest Dallas. Designed to help underprivileged and disadvantaged youth.
Although his football talents were being put to use in New England last season, Elliott never wavered in his community service in the city he still considers close to his heart.
“Dallas is definitely my home,” Elliott said last September. “Most of my family is already in Dallas.”
And now it’s time for their homecoming dance.
