The Cowboys will save $10.9 million against the cap by releasing Elliott as a post-June 1 cut , which could help them re-sign some of their own pending free agents or pursue other targets on the market. They could also use the extra cap space to extend some of their core players, such as quarterback Dak Prescott or wide receiver Amari Cooper. The Cowboys will also have a need at running back, as they currently have only Tony Pollard and Rico Dowdle under contract for 2023. They could look for a cheaper veteran option in free agency, draft a rookie in the middle or late rounds, or promote someone from their practice squad.
Why Ezekiel Elliott’s release marks the end of an era for the Cowboys’ offense and how they will adjust without him. Elliott was one of the most dominant running backs in the NFL during his first four seasons with the Cowboys, leading the league in rushing yards twice and making three Pro Bowls. He was also a key part of their offensive identity, as they relied on his physical running style to set up play-action passes and control time of possession. However, Elliott’s production declined significantly in 2021 and 2022, as he battled injuries, fumbling issues, and a lackluster offensive line. He averaged only 3.9 yards per carry in 2021 and 3.6 yards per carry in 2022, well below his career average of 4.5 yards per carry. Without Elliott, the Cowboys will likely shift to a more balanced or pass-heavy offense, featuring Prescott’s arm and his talented trio of receivers: Cooper, CeeDee Lamb, and Michael Gallup.
Where Ezekiel Elliott could land next and what kind of role he could have with a new team. Despite his recent struggles, Elliott is still only 27 years old and has plenty of talent left in him. He could attract interest from several teams that need a boost at running back or want to add a veteran presence to their locker room. Some potential landing spots for Elliott include:
The Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins have been looking for a reliable lead back for years, as they have rotated through several options with little success. They ranked 29th in rushing yards per game (88) and last in yards per carry (3) in 2022. Elliott could provide them with a proven workhorse who can handle a heavy workload and catch passes out of the backfield.
The Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks have been known for their run-first philosophy under head coach Pete Carroll, but they struggled to establish a consistent ground game in 2022 due to injuries and ineffectiveness from their running backs. They ranked 25th in rushing yards per game (99) and 23rd in yards per carry (3.8) in 2022. Elliott could give them a dynamic playmaker who can complement quarterback Russell Wilson’s passing ability.
The Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers have been searching for a long-term replacement for Le’Veon Bell since he left after the 2018 season. They tried to address the position by drafting Najee Harris in the first round of the 2021 draft, but he failed to live up to expectations as he averaged only 3.5 yards per carry behind a porous offensive line. Elliott could offer them an upgrade at running back who can also help protect quarterback Ben Roethlisberger from pressure.
