DALLAS (AP) — The Dallas Cowboys are reuniting with operating again Ezekiel Elliott after agreeing to phrases on a contract with the previous two-time dashing champion, an individual with data of the deal stated Monday.

Elliott returns to the Cowboys a yr after they let him go in a cost-cutting transfer. The particular person spoke to The Related Press on situation of anonymity as a result of the settlement was pending a bodily.

The Cowboys acknowledged through the draft final weekend that that they had not too long ago met with Elliott and his representatives.

Dallas didn’t draft a operating again after shifting from its starter every of the previous two seasons, and proprietor and common supervisor Jerry Jones stated he thought Elliott was nonetheless a starting-caliber again.

Elliott rejoins a workforce that features Rico Dowdle, Elliott’s teammate from 2020-22, and second-year gamers Deuce Vaughn and Hunter Luepke. Dallas additionally added journeyman Royce Freeman this offseason.

Elliott, who will flip 29 simply because the Cowboys report for coaching camp in California in July, spent final season because the backup to Rhamondre Stevenson in New England however began the final 5 video games when Stephenson was injured.

Elliott received dashing titles in two of his first three seasons with the Cowboys and is the third-leading rusher in franchise historical past with 8,262 yards. He trails two Professional Soccer Corridor of Famers — all-time NFL dashing chief Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett.

Tony Pollard, a fourth-round choose by Dallas in 2019, changed Elliott final season however didn’t have an effect to match his $10.1 million wage enjoying on the franchise tag. Pollard signed with Tennessee in free company.

In 2016, Elliott teamed with quarterback Dak Prescott to create a dynamic rookie pairing that led the Cowboys on an 11-game successful streak and the highest seed within the NFC playoffs.

Prescott then edged out Elliott for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Yr honors after the Cowboys misplaced to Aaron Rodgers and Inexperienced Bay.

Elliott by no means matched the 1,631 yards dashing from his rookie season. His second yr was marred by a two-month courtroom combat with the NFL over a six-game suspension involving home violence allegations. Elliott served the suspension 9 video games into the season after dropping an attraction.

The 2016 All-Professional nonetheless led the NFL in yards dashing per sport in his second season, then received his different dashing title with 1,434 yards in 2018.

Elliott missed the offseason and coaching camp in 2019 in a contract holdout, lastly becoming a member of the Cowboys through the week earlier than the season opener after signing a $90 million, six-year extension.

Whereas Elliott scored 22 touchdowns mixed over the ultimate two seasons of his first Dallas stint, he surpassed 1,000 yards simply as soon as in three years after signing the costly extension.

Elliott rushed for 642 yards and three touchdowns in what ended up being coach Invoice Belichick’s remaining season with the Patriots in 2023. Elliott visited the Cowboys in Week 4, gaining simply 16 yards in New England’s 38-3 loss.

Whereas they received 12 video games for the third consecutive season in 2023, the Cowboys missed Elliott’s highly effective operating fashion in short-yardage conditions.

Dallas is in flux with its offensive line, having to switch two starters. Three of Dallas’ eight draft picks final weekend had been offensive linemen. Elliott’s return, nevertheless, would bolster the membership’s move safety.

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