Ezekiel Elliott’s Career with the Dallas Cowboys

Ezekiel Elliott’s tenure with the Dallas Cowboys was marked by both success and controversy. Drafted fourth overall by the Cowboys in the 2016 NFL Draft, Elliott immediately became one of the top running backs in the league. His combination of speed, power, and vision made him a dangerous weapon on the field, and he quickly earned accolades as one of the NFL’s elite players.

Early Success: 2016-2019

Elliott’s rookie season was one for the record books. He led the NFL in rushing yards with 1,631 yards and 15 touchdowns, earning a Pro Bowl selection and First-Team All-Pro honors. This level of production continued into his sophomore year, where he again led the league in rushing yards (1,434 yards) and was a key factor in the Cowboys’ offensive scheme.

In 2018, Elliott had his third consecutive 1,000-yard season, cementing his status as one of the NFL’s most consistent running backs. He was named to the Pro Bowl in each of his first four seasons and continued to dominate in both the running and passing games. However, it was in 2019 where he started to show signs of regression. After holding out due to a contract dispute, Elliott returned to the Cowboys and posted solid numbers, rushing for 1,357 yards and 12 touchdowns. But while his stats were still strong, the Cowboys were struggling as a team, failing to make the playoffs despite his individual success.

Struggles in the Final Years: 2020-2022

Elliott’s performance started to dip beginning in the 2020 season, as injuries and offensive line struggles hampered his productivity. While he still finished with over 1,000 yards rushing that season, his yards per carry dropped significantly, and the Cowboys’ offense, led by quarterback Dak Prescott, was inconsistent. In 2021, Elliott struggled with knee injuries, which limited his effectiveness. Though he played through the injury, the Cowboys’ offensive scheme seemed to pivot more toward Prescott’s passing game, while Elliott’s ability to break long runs was not the same.

By 2022, Elliott’s role on the Cowboys offense was clearly diminished. Rookie running back Tony Pollard emerged as the more explosive option, and Elliott was forced into a more complementary role. Though Elliott remained a reliable short-yardage back and a key contributor in the red zone, his production continued to decline. Ultimately, the Cowboys made the decision to move on from Elliott, releasing him in the off-season after years of speculation about whether his tenure in Dallas would come to an end.

The Move to the Los Angeles Chargers

While there were other teams reportedly interested in Elliott, the Los Angeles Chargers present a particularly intriguing destination for the veteran running back. The Chargers, led by quarterback Justin Herbert, have had a promising offense in recent years but have struggled with consistency in the running game. As of the 2024 season, the Chargers’ backfield features Austin Ekeler, one of the NFL’s best all-around backs, but there is always a need for depth, especially as injuries are a constant concern.

Elliott’s Fit with the Chargers’ Offensive System

The Chargers’ offensive scheme, run by head coach Brandon Staley and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore (formerly with the Cowboys), could be an ideal fit for Elliott, especially given Moore’s familiarity with him from their time together in Dallas. Moore runs a system that emphasizes a strong passing game but also seeks to establish balance with the running game. This creates opportunities for backs like Elliott, who can provide short-yardage punch and help wear down opposing defenses.

Elliott’s experience as a bell-cow back, especially early in his career with the Cowboys, means that he could still contribute effectively in key situations. His durability and ability to grind out tough yards, particularly in short-yardage and goal-line situations, would complement Ekeler’s style of play, which is more elusive and dynamic. While Ekeler is a more explosive, pass-catching back, Elliott could provide a physical presence, which might allow Ekeler to focus on making plays in space and staying fresh throughout the season.

Additionally, Elliott’s pass protection skills would be an asset to Herbert, who has shown flashes of brilliance but may benefit from additional support in terms of keeping defenders off him. Elliott’s blocking ability is often overlooked, but he has proven himself to be a reliable protector in the backfield.

Elliott’s Impact in the Locker Room

Beyond his on-field contributions, Elliott could provide valuable leadership in the locker room. Having played for the Cowboys through several playoff appearances and various changes in team dynamics, he brings veteran experience to the Chargers’ locker room, especially in an offensive unit with younger players like Herbert. His experience in high-pressure games would serve as an excellent resource for players navigating their own NFL careers, particularly for younger offensive linemen and the backs in the Chargers’ system.

The Chargers, who have been competitive but not yet a consistent Super Bowl contender, could benefit from a player with Elliott’s pedigree. His time in Dallas, where the expectations were always high due to the Cowboys’ status as “America’s Team,” means that he knows how to handle both the highs and lows of an NFL season. In a team that hopes to make a deep playoff run, his experience could help the Chargers’ offense stay poised and balanced when things aren’t going smoothly.

The Changing Role of Running Backs in the NFL

The NFL has seen a shift in the role of running backs, with many teams moving toward running back committees rather than relying on one star player to shoulder the load. This shift has been especially true for teams with high-powered passing games like the Chargers. For the Chargers, the combination of Ekeler and Elliott could be just what the offense needs to keep defenses guessing.

With defenses focusing more on shutting down the passing game and mobile quarterbacks like Herbert, the role of the running back is more important than ever in keeping the defense honest. Elliott, with his physical running style, could allow the Chargers to run the ball effectively, helping to control the clock and shorten games. The value of a capable running back who can maintain drives and put pressure on defenses with powerful runs should not be underestimated.

Moreover, as the league has seen a growing trend of running backs being devalued in free agency, a player like Elliott — even with his decline in production — could find himself with a team that sees him as a valuable complementary asset rather than a lead option. The Chargers are in a good position to take advantage of Elliott’s skill set without asking him to carry the bulk of the workload.

The Future of Ezekiel Elliott

At this point in his career, Ezekiel Elliott is likely more focused on finding a situation where he can contribute meaningfully while possibly playing for a team with championship aspirations. The Chargers, who have a young, talented roster, are one of the teams that could offer Elliott the chance to win a Super Bowl while being part of a two-back system.

Elliott may never return to the peak years he experienced in Dallas, but he could still have several productive seasons ahead of him, provided he stays healthy and is used appropriately. His move to the Chargers could help him rediscover some of his previous form and bring his veteran experience to a team that could become a legitimate Super Bowl contender in the coming years.