Skip to main content
Join

Ezekiel Elliott requests release from Dallas Cowboys: New details emerge

Brian Jones Profile Picby:Brian Jones•12/31/24•

brianjones_93

Ezekiel Elliott
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images

The Dallas Cowboys waived running back Ezekiel Elliott, and an NFL insider explained why they made the move. According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, the Cowboys wanted to provide Elliott a chance to sign with a team that is heading to the playoffs. If Elliott clears waivers, he will be a free agent and can sign with any team he wants.

Elliott signed with the Cowboys during the offseason after spending time with the New England Patriots in 2023. In 15 games this year, the former Ohio State Buckeyes star rushed for 226 yards and three touchdowns on 74 carries.

This is Elliott’s second stint with the Cowboys as he was first with the team from 2016 to 2022. During that time, Elliott rushed for over 1,000 yards four times, was named to the Pro Bowl three times, and was selected to the All-Pro Team twice.

Ezekiel Elliott talks about role with the Cowboys this season

In July, Elliott expressed his excitement about being back with the Cowboys. “Right now, the focus is having as much fun as I can,” Elliott said, per the Cowboys’ official website. “I don’t know how many more of these I’m going to have. And just take advantage of being here, living in the moment…It’s fun being here. The shelf life of NFL players is three years. Every snap, every year, one more year I get is a blessing. And I mean, just being out here with these guys.”

Elliott added: “Just me kind of transforming from more of a lead-by-example to becoming more of a vocal leader. “From 2016 to now, I’ve played 100 games, 1500 more touches, however many more touchdowns and yards. I have a lot more experience, I have a lot more to offer…doing whatever I can to help bring these younger guys along.”

In October, Elliott talked about not being the featured back for the Cowboys. “It is definitely a little different, but I mean just to keep my head down, continue to work. Hopefully, my opportunity comes,” he said. “Just kind of letting it play itself out. Honestly, I’ve been focused on being a good teammate. I’ve been focusing on continuing to help lead this team. Not really so much making it about me, just making it about this football team, to win football games.”