The Dallas Cowboys are parting ways with running back Ezekiel Elliott.
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday, citing sources, that the Cowboys will release Elliott ahead of their Week 18 regular-season finale against the Washington Commanders. NFL insider Josina Anderson had the news first, also reporting that Elliott requested his release.
If Elliott clears waivers, he will be able to sign with any team as a free agent.
"Out of respect and appreciation for his Cowboys history, Dallas wanted to provide him the opportunity to pursue any potential playoff opportunities," Pelissero reported Tuesday.
In 15 games this season, Elliott rushed 74 times for 226 yards and three touchdowns—an average of 3.1 yards per attempt, the worst mark of his nine-year career. Elliott has played for Dallas in eight of his nine years in the NFL, with the only exception being his one-year stint in 2023 with the New England Patriots.
Elliott, 29, is set to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
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The Dallas Cowboys released running back Ezekiel Elliott for the second time in his career on Tuesday before the team's Week 18 finale against the Washington Commanders on Sunday.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones gave a statement about releasing Elliott shortly after the news dropped.
"Out of respect and appreciation for Zeke and wanting to provide him with an opportunity to pursue any potential playoff participation possible, we are releasing him from the Cowboys roster today," Jones said. "As I have said many times previously, Zeke's impact as one of the greatest to ever play with the Star on their helmet will never change and is etched in our record books and history forever. We thank him, love him and wish him the absolute best."
A statement from #Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on the release of Zeke Elliott: pic.twitter.com/Ru0zY4XFWn
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 31, 2024
Ezekiel's agent Rocky Arceneaux released a statement after Jones.
“I’d like to thank Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys for affording Zeke this unique opportunity in granting us our release," Arceneaus said. "Even though nothing is imminent Zeke is excited about the possibilities and is grateful. He’s got a lot of good football left in him, and will remain a Dallas Cowboy for life.”
Elliott played for the New England Patriots for one season last year before returning to the Cowboys. It'll be interesting to see if he's picked up by any teams headed to the playoffs, which start on Saturday, Jan. 11 for the wild-card round.
