“Out of respect and appreciation for Zeke and a desire to give him the opportunity to pursue any potential playoff participation, we released him from the Cowboys roster today,” Jones said Tuesday (via CBS Sports). “As I have said many times before, Zeke’s impact as one of the greatest to ever play with the star on his helmet will never change and will be etched in our record books and our history forever. We thank him, we love him and We wish him the best.”
Elliott signed a one-year contract with the Cowboys last offseason after a one-year stint with the New England Patriots. In 15 games played this year, Elliott rushed 74 times for 226 yards and three touchdowns and caught 12 passes for 69 yards. Rico Dowdle emerged as Dallas’ RB1, surpassing 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his career.
Elliott will now go through waivers. If he goes unclaimed, the veteran will be free to sign with a contender, but it remains to be seen if there will be any interest in his services. Elliott has not rushed for 1,000 yards or averaged more than 3.8 yards per carry since 2021. His agent thanked Jones and Dallas for granting his client’s release.
“I would like to thank Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys for providing Zeke with this unique opportunity by granting us our release,” Elliott’s agent Rocky Arceneaux said, via NFL Media, on Tuesday. “While nothing is imminent, Zeke is excited about the possibilities and is grateful. He has a lot of football left in him and will remain a Dallas Cowboy for life.”
The Cowboys selected Elliott with the fourth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. He began running at the next level, rushing for 1,631 yards and a league-high 15 touchdowns in his rookie season, leading to a first-team All-Pro selection as well as a trip to the Pro Bowl. Elliott led the NFL in rushing yards per game in each of his first three seasons, and led the league in total rushing yards for the second time in 2018 with 1,434 yards. During his career with the Cowboys, Elliott was named All-Pro twice and made three Pro Bowls. He concludes his career in Dallas as No. 3 all-time in both rushing yards (8,488) and rushing touchdowns (71). He trails Pro Football Hall of Famers Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett in both metrics.
