One move that surprised some early in free agency was the departure of Ezekiel Elliott from Dallas. After the decline in his offensive production and his high salary, the Cowboys opted to waive him with a June 1 designation. This, presumably, after failing to reach an agreement with Elliott so that he would continue to accept a salary cut.
Of course, Elliott will be missed in the Dallas locker room. And one of those most affected by the runner’s departure, without a doubt, is another of those who came to the Cowboys after the 2016 Draft: Dak Prescott. This is how the marshal let it be seen in statements to the media last Thursday.
“This is hardPrescott said of Elliott’s departure. “He is a brother to me, we started our NFL careers together and we share many memories. We grew as men in this organization. I can’t imagine being on the field of play without him.”
Dak Prescott on Ezekiel Elliott as a teammate and friend. “I can’t imagine him not being in the locker room.” pic.twitter.com/cPL8MgyhaI
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) March 16, 2023
These words from Dak Prescott are not surprising. He and Ezekiel Elliott have shown great chemistry both on and off the field. Besides, they have been pillars of the Cowboys in recent years. For this reason, there are those who see Zeke’s departure as the end of an era in Dallas.
Now, although this separation is painful, Dak is confident that Elliott will have a good future in another team.
“Obviously, I’ve talked to him.” Prescott added. “I’m hurt, and I’m sure he is too. But it is more important that I support him. I know he will have more opportunities in his way. I’m proud of him.”
Recent Instagram post from Dak Prescott pic.twitter.com/bpYnP7C0jJ
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) March 17, 2023
Despite Prescott’s optimism, Ezekiel Elliott’s future in the NFL is uncertain. Although the running back scored 12 touchdowns last season, his other records have been the worst of his career. Besides, it’s already apparent that Zeke is more useful in short-yardage situations and not for making big-yardage plays like he was in his early seasons.
Because of that, there are hardly any teams willing to pay Elliott the high salary he had in Dallas. According to experts, Zeke’s value in the current market would be around $6 million a year. This is worth noting, considering that in today’s NFL it’s crazy to overpay at running back.
Regarding the Cowboys, Elliott’s departure leaves Tony Pollard as the team’s first running back. Apart from him, Dallas only has Malik Davis and Rico Dowdle. For this reason, it is not ruled out that the cowboy team reinforces the position through the Draft or free agency.
With the Cowboys and Elliott now parting ways, only time will tell if this was the right decision. On paper it is, considering Zeke’s limited contributions when it was required to gain many yards. Let’s just hope Dallas finds a complement to its running game and doesn’t end up missing its former star.
