Ezekiel Elliott is set to leave the Dallas Cowboys after a stint lasting six seasons, with the team now preparing to release him.
The running back will be in need of new employers as the Cowboys are keen on avoiding the $16.72 million cap hit it would take to keep him around. Jerry Jones had been hesitant to let go of Elliott in the past and, in a recent statement, admitted this latest decision was a difficult one. But it appears it’s one that simply needed to be reached.
Elliott’s powers have visibly waned over the last two seasons as his body’s taken a beating since he entered the NFL in 2016. Recent reports noted the player had lost his legs, as well as any trade value, as other teams were well aware.
Elliot rushed for 876 yards and scored 12 touchdowns in 2022 but he was pretty poor in the playoffs, considering he only averaged 2.3 yards per carry.
This hardly means Zeke will be without a team in 2023, though. He’s still a quality player in his position and, according to Heavy’s Matt Lombardo, the Buffalo Bills could be a team to watch where he’s concerned.
The insider has cited an NFL general manager who reckons Elliott still has a lot to offer in pass protection, though he doesn’t have the drive that made him a two-time rushing yards leader and took him to the Pro Bowl on three occasions.
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“He’s Lost his burst,” the GM was quoted as saying. “Still tough, great in pass pro. Instinctive runner but doesn’t have same juice or legs he had in past. Not a featured back.”
According to ProFootballTalk, the 27-year-old will be keen on playing for a championship contender so the Bills should be right up that alley.
