Ezekiel Elliott on return to Dallas: 'I have a lot left to accomplish here'

In an exclusive with the Fort Worth Star-Telegram this week, Ezekiel Elliott opened up about his return to the Dallas Cowboys after his release from the team last spring. Though some critics, like Skip Bayless, have called the team’s decision a “PR move,” Elliott has clear intentions for his second opportunity with Dallas.

The former first-round draft pick landed in New England following his release from the Cowboys, and there, he did what he felt he needed to have a shot back on Mike McCarthy’s roster.

“This was my priority,” Elliott said at the Eric Dickerson Charity Golf Tournament. “Doing what I could do to get back here. I have a lot left to accomplish here. I’m excited to get back with the fellas and chase that ring.”

While with the Patriots, Elliott served as a backup running back until he took over as starter for the final five games of the season. In 17 games played, 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. Coming off of a PCL injury in 2022, the former Buckeyes star feels healthier than he did in his last stint in Dallas.

“I think I’m good,” Elliott said. “My body felt really good last year. My body felt good all of last year. I got my physical. My PCL looks to be healed. So health-wise, I think that I’m definitely better than when I left.”

The Cowboys have quite a few running backs on the roster now, but none in an incumbent position to start. Jerry Jones told reporters he believes Elliott can still be a starter, and the running back has high hopes for the team in 2024.

“From 2016, we’ve been working on building this franchise to get a chance to win the Super Bowl,” Elliott said. “That is obviously the priority. That’s the bar.”

Elliott inks with Cowboys for one year, $3 million

Elliott inked his new deal for one year, $3 million. Of his $3 million deal, $2 million is guaranteed money. After passing a physical on Monday morning, he is now set to join the team’s offseason workout program on Wednesday.

Elliott’s one-year deal with the Patriots expired in March. He played for $3 million and he still counted for a $6 million dead cap hit for Dallas in 2024.

The Cowboys’ running backs room now consists of Elliott, Rico Dowdle, Malik Davis, Royce Freeman, Deuce Vaughn, Hunter Luepke, Snoop Conner and Nathaniel Peat.