Dallas Cowboys address Ezekiel Elliott, Jonathon Brooks interest after first night of 2024 NFL Draft

The Dallas Cowboys front office officials addressed the media on Thursday night following their first-round selection of offensive lineman Tyler Guyton. Jerry Jones, Stephen Jones and Will McClay hit the podium to take questions, several of which mentioned former first-rounder Ezekiel Elliott, as well as running back draft prospect Jonathon Brooks. The Cowboys met with Elliott’s representative in the days leading up to the first round, which has fans anticipating a potential reunion.

Dallas CEO Stephen Jones downplayed the chances of Elliott’s return, but didn’t completely take the option off the table.

“Zeke, as we all know, is one of our favorites,” Jones said. “He’s laid it on the line for this franchise. He’s the ultimate competitor and we obviously think a lot of him. It was good to run into him and Rocky (Arceneaux). We just had a little beer and moved on.”

The team owner also mentioned Elliott’s “laying it on the line” for the Cowboys in the past in his comments on the former Patriot. The elder Jones noted that whatever happens in the draft, won’t affect whether or not the team re-signs the veteran running back.

“Just let me say this,” Jones said. “I thought he played well the last part of the season at New England. Very well… Is it real that Zeke is going to play next year in my mind? I think it’s very real… But I don’t want to go too far here because it’s competition.”

Elliott’s one-year deal with the Patriots expired in March. He played for $3 million and he still counts for a $6 million dead cap hit for Dallas in 2024. In 17 games played for New England last season, he rushed on a career-low 184 carries, posting 642 rushing yards with three touchdowns. He also added 51 catches for 313 yards and two more scores.

Cowboys continue eyeing Texas RB Jonathon Brooks

Following the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, every running back on the board remains available. However, the Cowboys have had their eyes on one in particular for a while – Texas running back Jonathon Brooks. Brooks, a second-team All-Big 12 honoree, could land with the Cowboys in the second round when they select at No. 56 overall. Depending on demand, they may need to move up a few slots to pick him up.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was very candid about Brooks during his post-Round 1 press conference on Thursday night. His comments came with some side eye from player personnel director Will McClay.

“In 30 years, I thought it was the best interview I’ve ever had with a player,” Jones said, via Jon Machota. “He’s outstanding. We got him high, high, high (on our board). He’s a good player.”

Dallas’s running back room could use the addition of Ezekiel Elliott even if they draft Brooks in the second round. The former Longhorn’s return-to-play timeline is questionable following his ACL tear in November.

Brooks rushed for 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2023. He also had 25 catches for 286 yards and one touchdown in the 10 games he played prior to his ACL injury. Despite his injury, the Texas native has had little wear and tear over the course of his collegiate career. In 2021 and 2022, he carried the ball a combined 51 times compared to 187 carries in 2023.