Cowboys Rumors: Latest on Ezekiel Elliott Contract Talks After Missing on RB Brooks

The Dallas Cowboys lost Tony Pollard in free agency and watched as the Carolina Panthers traded up in the second round to take the top running back on the board, Jonathon Brooks.

But according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the team may turn to a familiar face to address what has become a major position of need—former Cowboys star Ezekiel Elliott.

"Still a little far apart on the deal, but this is something in the works," Rapoport added. "Would not be surprised if it comes together soon."

The current iteration of Elliott is not the same player who once dominated for the Cowboys, however.

After being the No. 4 overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft, Elliott went on to become a three-time Pro Bowler and one-time first-team All-Pro selection, leading the NFL in rushing in two of his first three seasons.

He notched double-digit touchdowns four times in his seven seasons in Dallas, over 1,000 yards four times as well and never had less than 875 rushing yards in a season.

Elliott's production during his early years wasn't in question, but in hindsight bypassing on cornerback Jalen Ramsey at the 2016 NFL draft that didn't age well. Neither did signing Elliott to a six-year, $90 million extension in 2019 that he quickly didn't live up to as he showed signs of decline in recent years.

Before the 2023 season, the Cowboys released him in a cost-cutting move that saved them about $11 million against the cap last season.

The 28-year-old didn't look like the same player last season in New England after signing with the Patriots, rushing for just 642 yards and three scores in a timeshare with Rhamondre Stevenson. His yards per carry has declined in each of the past three seasons, culminating in last season's disappointing 3.5 yards per attempt.

Elliott wouldn't necessarily answer all of the team's questions at running back, but he would bring far more experience and pedigree than the current trio of Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn and Royce Freeman. In that regard, a reunion makes some sense.