It looks like Ezekiel Elliott's time in Dallas is done...
The Ezekiel Elliott era in Dallas may be reaching its conclusion in the coming days, as reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter via ML Football. Many NFL insiders believe that the two-time rushing champion is a "prime cut candidate." By cutting Elliott, the Cowboys could save $4.86 million in cap space, which makes business sense as the team's leading rusher of 2022, Tony Pollard, is eligible for free agency later this month. Carrying two high-salaried running backs at a devaluing position would be challenging.
Although Elliott had more carries than Pollard in 2022 (231 vs. 193), Pollard finished with a team-leading 1,007 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns, whereas Elliott finished with 876 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns.
In 2019, ahead of the season, the Cowboys signed Elliott to a lucrative six-year contract extension worth $90 million. At the time, Elliott had just claimed his second rushing title in three years, making the deal sensible. However, Elliott's production has visibly declined over the last three seasons. In 2021, if not for the expanded 17-game regular season schedule, he wouldn't have reached the 1,000-yard mark, finishing with 1,002.
Pollard is two years younger than Elliott, has fewer miles on his body, and has been more explosive over the last two years. If Jerry Jones had to choose one, Pollard over Elliott would likely be his choice.
