Cowboys Rumors: Ezekiel Elliott, Dalvin Cook Interested in Dallas in NFL Free Agency

Free-agent running backs Ezekiel Elliott and Dalvin Cook both "have interest in potentially signing" with the Dallas Cowboys, per Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News.

"Team owner Jerry Jones and executive vice president Stephen Jones told the Dallas Morning News this week at the NFL's annual meeting they could neither confirm nor deny interest in the running backs," Gehlken wrote.

"While they declined to comment, anyone contemplating the Cowboys' direction at the position would be wise to monitor the veteran running backs in conjunction with a rookie pick. Multiple people familiar with the players' thinking told The News the veterans have interest in potentially signing with Dallas."

Elliott played his first seven seasons with the Cowboys before landing with the New England Patriots in free agency last year.

Cook spent six campaigns with the Minnesota Vikings before signing as a free agent with the New York Jets. Gang Green released him before the end of the regular season, and the Baltimore Ravens signed him for their playoff run.

The Cowboys need more reinforcements in the running back room. Last year's starter, Tony Pollard, left Dallas in free agency for the Tennessee Titans. Last year's second- and third-string backs, Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn, are still on the roster.

However, Gehlken noted that "it appears all but certain" that Dallas will select a running back on the second or third day of the NFL draft.

It also appears certain that Dallas is headed toward a running back committee in 2024, so there's room to add another veteran to the mix.

Both Elliott and Cook have enjoyed stellar careers. Elliott is a three-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro who led the NFL in rushing twice. Cook is a four-time Pro Bowler who averaged 1,606 total yards from 2019-2022.

However, neither Elliott nor Cook had an efficient rushing season in 2023. Elliott ran for just 3.5 yards per carry, a career-low. Meanwhile, Cook rushed for just 3.2 YPC, also a career-low.

Elliott ended up being RB1 in New England after Rhamondre Stevenson suffered a season-ending sprained ankle, amassing 955 yards and five touchdowns.

Cook fell down the depth chart in New York, where he ended up as a third-stringer and received limited playing time. He had just 82 touches for 292 yards and no scores on the year.

Ultimately, the Cowboys are going to add running backs to the roster before they break for training camp. It's just a matter of who and when. At the very least, it appears they have interest in Elliott and Cook.