Ezekiel Elliott WATCH: How's Cowboys Ex Look in Workout? Ready to Sign?
We're well past the midway point of the NFL offseason, but that doesn't mean we're out of time to overreact to workout videos in July.
Under the microscope this time around is former Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott, who is still awaiting a call from a team in need. The rumor mill says the Cowboys remain a possibility to bring back the 27-year-old just four months after cutting him, with other squads like the New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills floating around in the "rumorverse" as well.
Rumors aside, CowboysSI.com has reported repeatedly that re-signing Zeke is not in the Cowboys plans. But ... after watching his latest workout video with DFW-based trainer 3Hunnid Fitness, should the Cowboys feel more inclined to bring back the former No. 4 overall pick to officially be the full-time backup behind Tony Pollard? Take a look for yourself:
Compared to how the average 9-to-5 human would look doing simple cone drills, Elliott should've been signed to a NFL roster yesterday. But this is the offseason, and those cones and field obstacles won't be earning a linebacker-worthy contract any time soon.
Despite Elliott finishing last season tied for the third-most rushing touchdowns (12) in the league, he finished with a career-low in carries (231) and rushing yards (876). Fewer rushing attempts would normally lead to a higher yards-per-carry average, but this was another career-low mark (3.8 yards) for Elliott.
And like the workout video shows (to our respectful eyes), Elliott also looked a step slower last season, especially when compared to how electric Pollard looked throughout the year. It's unsurprising that Elliott's longest run went for just 27 yards, another single-season worst for his career.
Dallas' current backups in the backfield are second-year running back Malik Davis, vet Ronald Jones, young Rico Dowdle and rookie Deuce Vaughn. Some argue that the team could certainly use some more depth and experience for the game's most fragile and expendable position.
The Cowboys' release of their former franchise running back helped save the team $10.9 million for the 2023 cap and $9.2 million in 2024. His departure after seven years in Dallas was necessary based on both his decrease in productivity and eye-popping six-year, $90 million deal.
Does all of this make Elliott's return to Dallas on a much cheaper contract a real possibility? We're sticking to our story - the story that comes from inside The Star, and that's a "no.'' But though it's clear he's making sure to stay in shape during the offseason in case the phone rings, the Cowboys won't be putting much stock into a simple workout video. The fans shouldn't either.
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
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