Dallas Cowboys release Ezekiel Elliott

Ezekiel Elliott (YouTube)

One of the most noteworthy storylines in National Football League free agency over the last 24 hours was not a signing but a release. According to Chantz Martin of FOX Sports on Wednesday, the Cowboys released their star running back Ezekiel Elliott after seven seasons with the team.

Elliott had four years left on a six-year deal worth $90 million. However, as we all know by now, NFL contracts are not guaranteed.

In 2022, Elliott had 231 rushes for 876 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also had 17 catches for 92 yards. Elliott may not have reached 1000 yards in rushing, but deserves high praise for reaching double digits in touchdowns. 

The release should not be that much of a surprise however, because it was clear that Elliott was outplayed last season by Pro Bowler Tony Pollard of Memphis, Tennessee, who had 193 rushes for 1007 yards, and nine touchdowns. He also had 39 catches for 371 yards and three touchdowns.

Elliott had an unbelievable start to his NFL career. He led the NFL with 1631 rushing yards in his rookie season of 2016, and then had a NFL-high 1434 rushing yards in 2019. Elliott was also selected to the Pro Bowl thrice with the Cowboys (2016, 2018 and 2019).

Speaking of running back, three more running backs switched teams in free agency on Wednesday. Jamaal Williams of Rialto, California signed a three-year deal worth $12 million with the New Orleans Saints, James Robinson of Rockford, Illinois signed a two-year deal worth $8 million with the New England Patriots, and the Denver Broncos signed Samaje Perine of Jackson, Alabama to a two-year deal worth $7.5 million.

Williams is joining his third NFL team following four seasons with the Green Bay Packers (2017 to 2020), and two seasons with the Detroit Lions (2021 and 2022). In 17 games this past season, Williams had 262 rushes for 1066 rushing yards, and a NFL high 17 touchdowns. He also had 12 catches for 73 rushing yards.

Robinson is also joining his third NFL team following three seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars (2020 to 2022), and four games last seasons with the New York Jets. In 11 games last season with the Jaguars and Jets, Robinson had 110 rushes for 425 yards and three touchdowns, along with 11 catches for 51 receiving yards and another two major scores.

For Perine, he is joining his fourth team following the Washington Redskins, Cincinnati Bengals and Miami Dolphins. This past season, Perine had 95 rushes for 394 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns with the Bengals. He also had 38 catches for 287 yards and four receiving touchdowns.

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