The Dallas Cowboys will have an offseason full of tough decisions ahead of them.
One of the main ones is what they should do with running back Ezekiel Elliott.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell thinks it is time for the Cowboys to move on from Elliott.
There is no question that Elliott is a shell of the player we saw in the first few seasons of his career.
His yards per attempt have dropped each season of his career, and he looked to beat up this past season.
Elliott has taken a lot of hits in his NFL career, so it is no surprise to see them taking a toll.
In two of his first three seasons, he led the NFL in rush attempts.
But releasing Elliott this offseason will free up $10.9 million in cap space, and that should be something Dallas looks to do.
While it will not be easy for them to move on for Elliott, it will be best for both sides.
The agents of #Cowboys RB Zeke Elliott will “figure out his value at the combine” and then decide if they’ll accept a restructured contract to stay with Dallas, according to @AdamSchefter
If Zeke refuses to restructure his contract, he’ll be released. pic.twitter.com/RWfKh32Pvj
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 16, 2023
He can get a fresh start elsewhere without his lofty contract hanging overhead.
Barnwell also mentions how the Cowboys should give Tony Pollard the franchise tag.
That will pay him $10.1 million to play for the Cowboys next year.
Even though Pollard will be coming off an injury, he is still one of the most explosive players in the NFL.
Dallas would be foolish to let him go, especially having not allowed him to be the lead running back yet.
Pollard was named to the pro bowl this past season despite having fewer carries than Elliott.
So the Cowboys moving on from Zeke might be in the best interest of their offense.
Elliott can still have value to a team as a short-yardage or goalline back.
But, Dallas would rather have the cap space.
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