Ezekiel Elliott granted release by Cowboys to end disappointing second tenure

Ezekiel Elliott is headed out of Dallas.

The Cowboys cut ties with the veteran running back on Tuesday after Elliott requested to be released, the team announced.

“Out of respect and appreciation for Zeke and wanting to provide him with an opportunity to pursue any potential playoff participation possible, we are releasing him from the Cowboys roster today, team owner Jerry Jones said in a statement. As I have said many times previously, Zeke’s impact as one of the greatest to ever play with the Star on their helmet will never change and is etched in our record books and history forever. We thank him, love him and wish him the absolute best.”

Ezekiel Elliott #15 of the Dallas Cowboys carries the ball against the Carolina Panthers during the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium on December 15, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Getty Images

Elliott, 29, returned to the Cowboys this season after a one-season stint with the Patriots, rushing for 226 yards on 74 attempts with three touchdowns.

The Ohio State product was drafted No. 4 overall by Dallas in the 2016 NFL Draft.

From 2016 to 2022, his first stint with the Cowboys, Elliott made three Pro Bowls while running for 8,262 yards, the second-most in the NFL over that period, with 80 total touchdowns, which were third-most.

Elliott’s second tenure with “America’s Team” didn’t go anywhere near as well.

Ezekiel Elliott #15 of the Dallas Cowboys takes the field prior to a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on October 27, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. — Ezekiel Elliott #15 of the Dallas Cowboys takes the field prior to a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on October 27, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. Getty Images

In October, Elliott was reportedly “dumbfounded by his lack of opportunities” after playing in just 108 snaps during Dallas’ first five games of the 2024 season.

Less than a month later, Elliott was benched during a game against the Falcons for disciplinary reasons after missing team meetings and repeatedly showing up late.

As the season carried on, fourth-year running back Rico Dowdle took on the bulk of the carries in the Cowboys’ backfield, rushing for 100-plus yards in four of the team’s last five games.

Elliott will become a free agent if he clears waivers and could perhaps catch on with a playoff team in need of a ball carrier for the postseason run.