New England Patriots Ex Ezekiel Elliott: 'Mutual Interest' in Dallas Cowboys Return

A year after his release, former New England Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott and the Dallas Cowboys share "mutual interest" in his return.

Oct 1, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) hugs New England / Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

After just one season away, the former New England Patriots' running back, Ezekiel Elliot, could be making his return to the franchise that drafted him, the Dallas Cowboys. 

According to a new report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, a year after the Cowboys released Elliott, there is now “mutual interest” in a reunion. 

“The Dallas Cowboys and free agent running back Ezekiel Elliott have mutual interest in a reunion,” Fowler writes. “While a deal between Elliott and his former club has not been reached, both sides are open to it, sources added.”

Oct 1, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) hugs New England / Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The 28-year-old, who will turn 29 in July, signed with the Patriots last August after seven seasons in Dallas and was brought to Foxboro to play behind Rhamondre Stevenson as the second running back on the depth chart.

Despite the end of a seven-year run in Dallas, which left many questioning what was left in the tank for the former No. 4 overall pick as his production slipped to a then-career-low 876 yards on 231 attempts in 2022, Elliott proved serviceable as “RB2” in New England. 

Elliott played in all 17 games and even recorded five starts due to an ankle injury suffered by Stevenson that proved to be season-ending. While Elliott finished with a career-low 642 yards and three touchdowns, it came on the fewest carries of his career, 184. In addition, Elliott compiled 313 yards and two more scores on 51 receptions.

However, even with a serviceable year from the former Ohio State Buckeye, the Patriots have already seemingly moved on with the free-agent signing of Antonio Gibson. The former Washington Commander signed a three-year, $11.25 million deal with the Patriots, while Elliott will hope for a return to the Cowboys.