Cowboys Reveal True Reasoning Behind Release of RB Ezekiel Elliott

At the NFL Owners Meetings this week, Dallas Cowboys decision-makers Stephen and Jerry Jones revealed exactly what went into the decision to release Ezekiel Elliott

When the Dallas Cowboys released Ohio State Buckeyes great Ezekiel Elliott earlier this month, it was a move that many saw coming. 

Elliott had seemed to take a step back in his explosion and production over the course of his new contract, and to most, it seemed that it was time for Elliott to find a more suitable home for his current skillset. 

Elliott had reportedly had a series of suitors ... several of whom would give him an immediate chance at revenge against the Cowboys ... but remains unsigned as the league calendar drifts toward draft month.

Cowboys COO Stephen Jones offered some details into the departure on Tuesday, comparing his move to those of fellow Dallas playmakers Emmitt Smith and DeMarcus Ware, those latter two ending their careers in unfamiliar uniforms despite sizable success with the Cowboys.

And apparently, the move came more out of respect, than anything else. 

"When you've got players and we've had them over the years, whether it's Emmitt Smith, whether it's a DeMarcus Ware … these type of players you've got such respect for everything that they've done for your organization," Jones reporters at the NFL owners meetings in Phoenix. "The last thing we want to do is do anything that would be insulting to a player to a great player, like Zeke, who was one of the best players to ever put on a Cowboys uniform.

So … Talent. Money. Pride.

And no "insult.''

Elliott's release back on Mar. 15 was more or less assured thanks to a career-worst season and financial particulars, as Dallas saved $10.9 million on the 2023-24 salary cap upon his departure. The Cowboys instead opted for a $10 million franchise tag for breakout rusher Tony Pollard while also signing two-time Super Bowl champion Ronald Jones.

Yet, Dallas management appears reluctant to permanently clean out Elliott's locker, as both Stephen and his father, Cowboys owner Jerry, both hinted that they'd be open to a maybe-reunion.

The elder Jones, for example, has still not taken an Elliott deal "off the table."

"(He was a) great competitor and (we're) wishing nothing but the best if it turns out he didn't return," Stephen said. "But we never rule anything out around here. But yeah, there are sensitivities when you get into making offers."

We've reported that Jones' "openness'' to a return is mostly about "politeness.''

"Sensitivities.' And thus, as Zeke continues to seek employment elsewhere, "The Long Goodbye.''

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