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Cowboys: 3 best moves of the 2023 offseason

By Jakob Ashlin

TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 16: Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys warms up prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC Wild Card playoff game at Raymond James Stadium on January 16, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 16: Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys warms up prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC Wild Card playoff game at Raymond James Stadium on January 16, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott before the wild card game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Best Cowboys moves of the offseason: Cutting Ezekiel Elliott

It is never easy moving on from a player like Ezekiel Elliott. He has been one of the most impactful players in recent franchise history. He has the third-most rushing yards in team history (8,262), trailing only Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett.

However, Elliott was no longer at the top of his game. Last season, he recorded career-lows in both rushing yards (876) and yards per carry (3.8).

In addition, cutting him saved $11 million in 2023 cap space.

In the immortal words of Usher Raymond, it was time to “let it burn”.

Following Elliott’s departure, Tony Pollard will have a chance to be the lead back. In 2022, he averaged 5.2 yards per carry (third-highest among NFL running backs). In a larger role, he has the potential to be one of the best running backs in the league.

Furthermore, the cap space aided the Cowboys in addressing other areas of need.

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