NFL writer predicts Cowboys reunite with former Pro Bowl RB

The Dallas Cowboys are still in need of a running back after losing Tony Pollard in free agency, and Bleacher Report’s Mitch Milani is predicting them to reunite with an old friend.

Ezekiel Elliott.

While making his predictions for some of the remaining free agents, Milani said that it makes too much sense for Elliott to return to the Cowboys.

“Let’s just give him back to the Cowboys,” Milani said. “Let’s give him back to the Cowboys. Last year, there was a rumor that [Bill] Belichick didn’t want to give him back [to Dallas]. With the current running back situation of the Cowboys, I don’t know if you guys have checked the depth chart lately, but they currently have Deuce Vaughn as the starting running back of the Dallas Cowboys.”

Elliott spent the 2023 campaign with the New England Patriots, playing in every game and rushing for 642 yards and three touchdowns while averaging 3.5 yards per carry.

Those are obviously not great numbers, but considering how thin Dallas’ backfield currently is, it couldn’t hurt to bring Elliott back into the fold.

“And if they just want to bring in a veteran who can play on all three downs. Who knows their system already, so it’s easy,” added Milani. “Can pass block extremely well. Actually played pretty well, as a Patriots fan, honestly, I wouldn’t mind having him back. Like he played pretty well. But now that they’ve signed Antonio Gibson, I think Zeke is probably going to go somewhere else.”

Elliott spent the first seven years of his career with the Cowboys after being selected by the club with the fourth overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft.

The 28-year-old enjoyed a spectacular run in Dallas, making three trips to the Pro Bowl while also earning a First-Team All-Pro selection. He led the league in rushing twice with the Cowboys, topping out at 1,631 yards during his rookie campaign.

Elliott’s production tailed off during the back end of his tenure in Dallas, most recently totaling 876 yards while still punching in 12 touchdowns on the ground in 2022. The key, though, is that Elliott logged just 3.8 yards per attempt that season.

Still, it only seems right for the Ohio State product to end his NFL career where it started.

Plus, let’s be honest: even at this stage of his career, Ezekiel Elliott probably has more to offer than any of the other current Cowboys’ halfbacks.