ESPN analysts debate whether Ezekiel Elliott can thrive as Cowboys’ RB1 in return to Dallas

The Cowboys have brought running back Ezekiel Elliott back to Dallas, and the reaction has been polarizing.

While the move makes sense after Dallas declined to draft a running back during the 2024 NFL Draft, and the Cowboys aren’t paying Elliott a ton, as he inked a deal for one year, $3 million, according to Fort Worth Star-Telegram‘s Clarence Hill, some think the team went in the wrong direction.

During a segment on ESPN’s Get Up on Monday morning, Mike Greenberg, Mike Tannenbaum, Dan Graziano and Dan Orlovsky debated the move, with Tannenbaum, the former NFL general manager, comparing it to what the Philadelphia Eagles accomplished during the NFL Draft.

“Greeny, here’s context. The Philadelphia Eagles drafted Will Shipley to be a backup,” Tannenbaum stated. “He would, by far, be the best running back for the Cowboys.”

The former Clemson star was a Day 3 pick by the Eagles, and Elliott currently is slated to likely be the Cowboys’ starter at the moment. Not exactly high praise from Tannenbaum, but worry not Dallas faithful, as Graziano expects the franchise will continue adding to their running back room.

“I believe they will. Running backs always shake loose,” Graziano added. “I think there are guys that could get traded and cut this summer that could be appealing to them.”

As for Orlovsky, he’s more positive about the move than the rest of the crew. He was slightly impressed by Elliott’s performance in 2023 with the New England Patriots, and he believes Dallas’ success more-so hinges on wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.

“I mean, Zeke was solid last year behind a really bad offensive line in New England,” Orlovsky added. “Here’s the thing that’s going to happen for Dallas. Again, if those two offensive linemen they drafted it in the first three rounds are two good starters, huge for their offensive line. The second element of this, when does CeeDee Lamb show up?”

In 17 games played for New England last season, he rushed on a career-low 184 carries, posting 642 rushing yards with three touchdowns. He also added 51 catches for 313 yards and two more scores. However, the Patriots offense as a whole was rough, featuring a revolving door of quarterbacks.

Still, the Cowboys have been looking for answers at running back after Tony Pollard left in free agency. Seeing if an old friend in Ezekiel Elliott has some gas left in the tank isn’t the worst direction the franchise could take in 2024.