Ezekiel Elliott Released by Cowboys amid $16.4M Cap Hit; RB to Become Free Agent

The Dallas Cowboys have released running back Ezekiel Elliott after a seven-year run, owner Jerry Jones confirmed on Wednesday.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, Elliott will be designated as a post-June 1 release. He has a $16.7 million cap hit for 2023. A post-June 1 cut will save the team $10.9 million against the cap for the upcoming season.

Clarence E. Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram had previously reported the Cowboys were "set to part ways" with Elliott.

Elliott amassed 968 total yards and 12 touchdowns last season but rushed for a career-low 3.8 yards per carry (231 carries, 876 rushing yards) and caught just 17 passes for 92 yards.

The 27-year-old struggled in his final four games, including playoffs, rushing for 100 yards on 50 carries.

The Cowboys selected Elliott with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2016 draft. His career accolades include three Pro Bowls, an All-Pro nod and the 2016 PFWA Rookie of the Year award.

The Ohio State product burst onto the scene with an NFL-high 1,631 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns in 2016 en route to leading the Cowboys to an NFC East title and the conference's No. 1 seed. He led the NFL in rushing yards again in 2018 with 1,434.

However, Elliott's numbers have tailed off over the past three years as he's rushed for just 4.0 yards per carry. Tony Pollard has emerged as the Cowboys' best back and even earned Pro Bowl honors in 2022.

But Dallas entered this offseason with some question marks at the position.

Pollard's contract was set to expire, but the Cowboys placed the franchise tag on him. However, he's also recovering from a broken left fibula and high ankle sprain suffered in the playoffs.

Meanwhile, Elliott's six-year, $90 million contract extension has proved to be a hefty price tag for a running back in apparent decline.

But Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News reported on Jan. 23 that Elliott was willing to take a pay cut to stick with the team.

Given Elliott's overall decline in production and Pollard getting the franchise tag, it seemed like a parting of ways with the Cowboys was in the works. Now, Elliott will be a free agent for the first time in his career.