Feed Zeke, one more time.
After Cowboys owner and GM Jerry Jones said over the weekend that Ezekiel Elliott still can be a starting running back in the NFL, Elliott officially came to terms with the Cowboys on a one-year deal worth $3 million, including $2 million guaranteed, according to Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
“He’s a positive influence at all times. Not one time, even in maybe some critical times, has he been anything but a positive and a winning influence as a person and a teammate of the Dallas Cowboys. That’s a big plus that he has. He’s a lift. He’s outstanding in that area," Jones said during the team's post-draft presser on Saturday. "The bottom line is that he’s a positive. He’s a positive. I think he would potentially be positive for this team.”
Elliott, who was drafted by the Cowboys with the No. 4 overall pick out of Ohio State in 2016, was a two-time NFL rushing leader, All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowler while playing the first seven seasons of his career in Dallas.
After being released by the Cowboys in the 2023 offseason, Elliott signed a one-year deal with the New England Patriots. Elliott led the Pats with 642 rushing yards as starting running back Rhamondre Stevenson dealt with injuries. However, Zeke averaged just 3.5 yards per carry, proving he's not the same back he once was.
Elliott, 28, has the third most rushing yards in Cowboys' franchise history (8,262) behind Tony Dorsett (12,036) and Emmitt Smith (17,162) and the third most touchdowns in team history (80) behind Dorsett (86) and Smith (164).
Elliott will join a running back room that includes Rico Dowdle, Hunter Luepke, Royce Freeman, Malik Davis and Deuce Vaughn.
Shan, RJ and Bobby Belt reacted to the report this morning.