Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott. Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

RB Ezekiel Elliott seems grateful about reunion with Cowboys

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Apr 30, 2024 1:34 PM ET

Running back Ezekiel Elliott is pumped that the Dallas Cowboys gave him a second chance.

In an interview with Clarence Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, he admitted he was determined to return to Dallas, even though the Cowboys released him in March 2023.

"This was my priority. Doing what I could do to get back here," Elliott said after signing a one-year, $3M deal on Monday. "I have a lot left to accomplish here. I'm excited to get back with the fellas and chase that ring."

The Cowboys reunited with Elliott, who made three Pro Bowls in his first seven seasons in Dallas, to add depth to their backfield.

Tony Pollard signed a three-year, $21.75M deal with the Tennessee Titans in free agency. Outside of Pollard — who ran for 1,005 yards in 17 games — no Cowboys RB surpassed 400 rushing yards last season. Dallas didn't draft another back, either.

In 17 games with the New England Patriots last season, Elliott, 28, logged career lows in carries (184), rushing yards (642) and rushing TDs (three). He only started in five games, though, and had a team-high 51 receptions for 313 yards and two TD catches.

FEED ZEKE! The @Patriots take an early lead in Pittsburgh. #NEvsPIT on Prime Video
Also available on #NFLPlus https://t.co/0GJemAElFj pic.twitter.com/az6pNxbQd5
— NFL (@NFL) December 8, 2023

Elliott noted that he feels healthier after dealing with a torn PCL in 2022 and can play a prominent role in the Cowboys offense.

"I feel like I'm still a starter," Elliott told Hill. "I got the chance to start down the stretch last year. I felt comfortable in that role. I am looking forward to doing what I need to do for this team."

Elliott isn't an elite player at this point in his career, but he could still be a valuable contributor. Plus, he may have a chip on his shoulder and want to prove the Cowboys made the right decision.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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