Cowboys releasing Ezekiel Elliott; RB seeks opportunity with playoff-bound team Dec 31, 2024
Ezekiel Elliott‘s second stint in Dallas won’t last a full season.
The Cowboys and the veteran running back have mutually agreed on his release from the team, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday.
Josina Anderson first reported the news. The team has since announced Elliott’s release.
“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,” owner Jerry Jones said in a statement. “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 will hit waivers once released, and will hit free agency if not claimed.
Elliott reunited with the Cowboys this offseason after spending 2023 in New England. The ninth-year veteran RB was used sparingly in 2024, producing 226 rushing yards and three touchdowns off 74 carries and 12 receptions for 69 yards in 15 games played this season.
The Cowboys, who got off to a slow start and have since been embattled with injuries in 2024, most notably to quarterback Dak Prescott, were eliminated from the playoffs just ahead of their Week 16 win over the Buccaneers.
The 29-year-old RB no longer possesses the burst from yesteryear, but his on-field experience and above-average pass blocking could be useful for a playoff-bound team in need of such services.
Whether or not Elliott’s Cowboys career is over remains to be seen. Should it be, Elliott would finish third in the franchise’s all-time rushing leaders list with 8,488 yards behind Tony Dorsett (12,036) and Emmitt Smith (17,162), the NFL’s all-time rushing leader.
