The Dallas Cowboys released star running back Ezekiel Elliott recently. That move might not have shocked many as his run in Dallas seemed to be nearing its end. What might be shocking, however, is that Dallas didn’t even make a formal offer to the two-time rushing champion.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones revealed on Monday that the team never offered any sort of adjustment in his contract so that the former Ohio State star could return to the team.
Longtime Dallas writer Clarence Hill Jr. tweeted, “Jerry Jones said the Cowboys never offered Ezekiel Elliott a contract adjustment to return before releasing him for cap reasons,” Hill Jr. tweeted.
Another whopper? The team could still bring him back! “But he (Jerry Jones) has not closed the door on him returning if he doesn’t sign with another team,” Hill Jr. added.
Jerry Jones said the Cowboys never offered Ezekiel Elliott a contract adjustment to return before releasing him for cap reasons. But he has not closed the door on him returning if he doesn't sign with another team
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) March 27, 2023
Elliott and the Cowboys were a unit since 2016. Dallas drafted him 4th overall in the 2016 NFL Draft, notably over future Pro Bowlers Jalen Ramsey and DeForest Buckner.
In seven seasons with the Cowboys, Elliott rushed for 8,262 yards on 1,881 carries. He scored 68 rushing touchdowns and hit double digits four times in those seven seasons. He led the league in rushing yards in his rookie season and his third year. Elliott also led the league in rushing attempts those years as well. Finally, he led in yards per game in 2016, 2017, and 2018.
The NFL world reacted to the shocking news.
Give him #15 and lets run it back.. short yardage and blocking ace https://t.co/GBeP0dYdHj
— Jay (@hjaved_82) March 27, 2023
He’s gonna come back and wear 15, watch 😂 https://t.co/BedORLiRSM
— Nick Herrera (@Nick_Herrera34) March 27, 2023
How do you not even offer him a chance to take a pay-cut? Like.. BRO lmao https://t.co/huI3KCDwkc
— CG-13 (@CornellGunter_) March 27, 2023
Jerry Jones can’t let Ezekiel Elliott go and if the Cowboys bring him back fans are going to lose their minds! #DallasCowboys https://t.co/NLAn70kE0r
— Kevin Gray Jr. (@KevinGraySports) March 27, 2023
