Dallas Cowboys Release Ezekiel Elliott After Contract Expiration
In a surprising move, the Dallas Cowboys have parted ways with star running back Ezekiel Elliott following the expiration of his contract. The decision marks the end of a seven-year relationship between the team and the 28-year-old player, who was once one of the NFL’s most dominant rushers.
Elliott was drafted by the Cowboys in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, and quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the offense. Over the years, he led the team’s rushing attack with numerous standout performances and earned two NFL rushing titles. However, after signing a six-year, $90 million extension in 2019, Elliott’s production began to taper off in recent seasons.
Despite a strong 2019 campaign, where he rushed for over 1,300 yards, Elliott’s performance had been inconsistent, especially during the 2022 season. He struggled with injuries and saw his role in the offense reduced in favor of younger talents, including Tony Pollard. Elliott’s rushing yards dropped significantly, and his once-prolific abilities appeared to diminish, despite maintaining his presence as a key locker room leader and a key goal-line threat.
The Cowboys made the decision to move on after evaluating their roster and cap space for the 2025 season. With the rise of Pollard as the primary running back and the team’s efforts to retool for the future, the Cowboys opted to release Elliott rather than retain his hefty contract.
Elliott’s exit opens up additional salary cap space for the Cowboys as they look to build a championship-contending team in the coming years. While his time with the Cowboys has ended, Ezekiel Elliott is expected to remain a sought-after free agent for teams in need of a veteran running back.
As he moves on to the next chapter of his career, Elliott leaves behind a legacy of electrifying performances, even as questions linger about his future in the NFL.
