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Ideal landing spots for Dalvin Cook, Ezekiel Elliott and other free agent running backs

By Hunter Haas

Dec 17, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (4) looks on after the game against the Indianapolis Colts at U.S. Bank Stadium. With the win, the Minnesota Vikings clinched the NFC North. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (4) looks on after the game against the Indianapolis Colts at U.S. Bank Stadium. With the win, the Minnesota Vikings clinched the NFC North. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 16, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) before the wild card game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) before the wild card game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2: Ezekiel Elliott — Dallas Cowboys

This section might produce a boring answer, but it is the only correct answer. Aside from the fact that it would be weird seeing Ezekiel Elliott in a different jersey, the Cowboys also really need the former Ohio State star. It is true; Elliott’s efficiency fell off a cliff in 2022. But Dallas lacks a difference-maker in the red zone, even if Tony Pollard returns to form.

Elliott still excels in short-yardage situations, highlighted by his 12 trips to the end zone last season. Between the 20s, the veteran ball carrier isn’t going to give you much. He has lost a step and no longer reaches that trademark top gear. The Cowboys wouldn’t ask Elliott to be a bellcow anymore; Pollard has that under control. The red zone is where head coach Mike McCarthy desperately needs the presence of the former All-Pro.

Elliott has garnered minimal interest on the free agent market, and if that continues, don’t be surprised to see talks pick up with the only franchise he has ever known. I’m sure Jerry Jones would make it worthwhile for his former prized possession. This reunion makes a lot of sense for both sides.

Recent reports say that Dallas has no intention to re-sign its former franchise centerpiece, although Jones left the possibility open down the road. An injury in training camp might pave the way for a new deal between the two parties. Regardless, Ezekiel Elliott would be a solid mentor for Pollard as the latter assumes an RB1 workload for the first time.

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