The Dallas Cowboys are planning to sign running back Ezekiel Elliott for the upcoming NFL season after just one year away from the team.
The deal has not been confirmed by the team, but Elliott is expected to return to Dallas on a one-year deal pending a physical, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.
Elliott had visited the Cowboys’ facility on Wednesday last week, but the two sides were unable to come to an agreement at the time, according to the NFL Network.
Discussions about a possible reunion started after the Cowboys finished the NFL Draft without selecting a running back to take over for Tony Pollard, who signed a three-year contract with the Tennessee Titans that could reach up to $24 million.
Executive vice president of the Cowboys Stephen Jones spoke about the potential for Elliott to return to the team after the first round of the NFL Draft, saying that the running back was the “ultimate competitor” and that he had “laid it on the line for this franchise,” according to The Athletic’s Jon Machota.
Elliott started his career with the Cowboys after being drafted as the fourth overall pick in the 2016 draft after he spent three years playing for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
He got off to a hot start in his rookie season as he led the entire league with 1,631 rushing yards to go along with 15 touchdowns and just five fumbles.
Although he had just 983 yards in his sophomore season, Elliott bounced back in his third season and once again led the NFL in rushing yards with a total of 1,434.
Elliot spent seven seasons with the Cowboys, accumulating 8,262 rushing yards and 71 touchdowns, 2,649 receiving yards, and 14 receiving touchdowns.
The Cowboys released the three-time Pro Bowl running back before last season to help with salary flexibility, coupled with the team’s belief in Pollard’s ability to be the main running back for the season.
Elliott put together a solid season after signing with the New England Patriots as he posted 642 yards on 184 carries, playing in all 17 games of the season.
However, the runningback ran for just 3.5 yards per carry and only found his way into the end zone on three rushing attempts.
Now, Elliott is set to likely star as the Cowboys’ main running back on a team that also features Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, and Royce Freeman.