Should the Dallas Cowboys seek an Ezekiel Elliott return?

Could the Dallas Cowboys look to try and bring back Ezekiel Elliott after parting ways with him in the offseason? There is every chance that they could.

The organization cut their once-star running back from the roster at the beginning of this year’s offseason, and he has since been available as a veteran positional player on the open market. However, he currently remains without a team as the market dried up. This is why we are currently hearing murmurs about a potential reunion after a brief separation.

Still seen as a ‘Big Brother’

What had seemingly started as whispers have grown a little louder in some quarters, especially as Zeke is reported to be prepared to take a lower salary to facilitate a return to the AT&T Stadium. And, it seems his return would be welcomed in the locker room.

The running back was a popular character in the locker room, with many of the roster said to be open to welcoming him back with open arms. Michael Gallup has spoken about the possibility of Zeke returning to the team and described him as “a big brother for everyone in the locker room.”

Could bringing Elliott back be a good move for the Cowboys?

With the team looking to try and finally win the big one, a player of Ezekiel Elliott’s experience could continue to make a difference, despite the fact that they had failed to win the Super Bowl during his prime years with the organization.

During his early years with the team, he was an impressive player and made “America’s Team” one of the top betting options for the Super Bowl during his time with the organization. They were always there or thereabouts when it came to the available NFL odds for the Vince Lombardi trophy. While the team remains among the candidates to win the championship because of the quality they have on their roster, it might be hard to see what impact he would have if he were to return.

Of course, it is important to note that he would only have a small role in comparison to what he has had in the past. Tony Pollard has been made the focal point of the running game, and Elliott would have to be prepared only to be a bit-part player. Additionally, this section of the locker room is already stacked with players in the position, thus making it difficult for him to get significant game time. Injuries have been an issue for him in the past, while there may be doubts that his ego may not allow him to be a reserve on the sidelines and only contribute sparingly.

If the Cowboys can agree to a new deal worth significantly lower than the terms he was on before he was released, then it may work.

Brian Baldinger believes a reunion for Zeke and Dallas makes sense

Former Cowboys offensive lineman and now NFL analyst Brian Baldinger believes that a return to Dallas would make perfect sense for the running back and the team, although admitted things would have to be favorable for both.

He noted that the veteran running back was still a productive player last season, having rushed for 12 touchdowns. Those 12 TDs took him to a total of 68 since entering the NFL in 2016, making him third in the all-time list for the franchise while also being third in all-time leading rushers for Dallas after running for 8,262 yards during his time with the franchise.

He acknowledged that it would have been difficult for the Cowboys to continue to pay him the big bucks when Pollard was being made the focal point of the offense, too. With Pollard earning more than $10 million on the franchise tag, it would have been difficult for the organization to justify keeping Zeke on the contract that was valid until 2026, with $10.9 million being paid as his base salary.

Dez Bryant says a reunion “only makes sense”

A potential reunion for Zeke and the Cowboys appears to be something that many believe should happen, with another former player claiming it “only makes sense” for it to happen.

Dez Bryant knows what it is like to be a Cowboy, and the former wide receiver – and all-time leading receiver for the team – has had his two cents on the conversation. Speaking out on social media, he wrote: “It only makes sense to bring Zeke back,” before claiming it would be a “win-win situation” for all involved.

Whether there will be any movement from either party in the near future remains to be seen. Elliott could look to continue to test the open market and see what becomes available, as he could walk into a team when required, or he could look to make a return to Dallas. If he does, he will have to lower any salary demands he may have, while also expect to carry the ball a lot less.