The Dallas Cowboys’ decision to sign Ezekiel Elliott to a one-year deal was always one that seemed more like a reunion out of necessity rather than a strategic move. Fans and analysts alike questioned whether this was truly the best option for the team, and now, as the regular season finale approaches, the Cowboys have made the surprising choice to release Elliott. This move comes as a shock, but not necessarily because of Elliott’s performance this season, which has undeniably been underwhelming. Instead, the timing of the decision has left many wondering: why now?

The news of Elliott’s release was confirmed by CBS’ Josina Anderson, and it quickly sent ripples throughout the NFL community. Despite having contributed significantly to the Cowboys’ offense in past seasons, Elliott’s production in 2023 has been far below expectations. With an average of just 3.1 yards per carry, his numbers are at a career low. This isn’t the first time in recent years that Elliott has struggled to hit the heights he once achieved. In fact, the past couple of seasons have seen him averaging under four yards per carry, making it clear that his performance has been in decline. Yet, the timing of his request for release—just before the crucial Week 18—has many questioning the rationale behind it.

According to Anderson’s report, Elliott requested his release leading up to the final week of the regular season, which raises some interesting questions. At first glance, one might think this is a move to secure a spot on a playoff-bound team, especially with teams gearing up for the postseason. However, given his recent struggles and declining numbers, it seems like a long shot for Elliott to land a spot on a contender’s roster. The Cowboys, in an effort to accommodate him, wanted to provide Elliott the opportunity to pursue any potential playoff opportunities elsewhere. As reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, this move was made with the hope that Elliott could find a fresh start and contribute to a team looking to make a deep playoff run. But is this truly what’s best for his career, or is it a desperate attempt by a veteran running back to salvage what’s left of his once-promising future?

What is clear, however, is that Elliott’s dissatisfaction with his role in the Cowboys’ offense had been growing for some time. Earlier in the season, Elliott himself admitted to having discussions with the coaching staff regarding his position in the rotation. This led to a brief increase in his workload, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide. On top of that, Elliott faced discipline for off-field issues, including missing practice and being late to team meetings on several occasions. These disruptions didn’t go unnoticed by the Cowboys’ coaching staff, and they added to the strain between the team and their once-elite running back.

Meanwhile, as Elliott’s frustrations continued to mount, backup running back Rico Dowdle emerged as a much more effective option for the Cowboys’ offense. Dowdle’s play this season has been impressive, ranking eighth among NFL running backs in success rate. His ability to move the ball on the ground has proven crucial for the Cowboys, and he’s averaged 4.7 yards per attempt—significantly outperforming Elliott. It was clear that Dowdle had established himself as the best option in the backfield, leading to increased touches for him and diminishing roles for both Elliott and other backs like Deuce Vaughn.

For Elliott to officially become a free agent, he will first need to clear waivers. Given the timing of the release and his relatively low production, it’s widely expected that he will go unclaimed, allowing him to explore his options as we head into Week 18. As for the Cowboys, it will now be all about moving forward with Dowdle as their primary running back and potentially giving second-year player Deuce Vaughn an opportunity to step up. Vaughn, who has been a healthy scratch for much of the season, might finally get the chance to prove his worth in a more prominent role as the Cowboys look to secure a playoff spot.

This release of Elliott is a bittersweet moment for both the player and the team. While Elliott’s time in Dallas may have come to an end, the decision to part ways was ultimately one driven by the evolving needs of the Cowboys’ offense and the emergence of younger, more effective talent. As Elliott seeks a new team in the coming weeks, it will be interesting to see if he can reclaim his former glory or if his career is nearing its twilight. For the Cowboys, the focus now shifts to their remaining running backs and the uncertain road ahead, as they prepare for what could be a pivotal postseason push.