Veteran running back Ezekiel Elliott has been released by the Dallas Cowboys, with franchise owner Jerry Jones confirming it was a decision made “out of respect” for the player.

Elliott requested to be released in the hopes of being signed by a team entering the playoffs, with Dallas enduring a disastrous year which saw them miss out on the postseason entirely. Elliott was only re-signed by the Cowboys this past offseason after expressing his intentions to return “home”, but his second stint hasn’t worked out as expected.

“Out of respect and appreciation for Zeke and wanting to provide him with an opportunity to pursue any potential playoff participation possible, we are releasing him from the Cowboys roster today,” Jones said in a statement. “As I have said many times previously, Zeke’s impact as one of the greatest to ever play with the Star on their helmet will never change and is etched in our record books and history forever.

“We thank him, love him and wish him the absolute best.” Elliott played 15 games for the Cowboys this season, totaling 74 carries for 226 yards and three touchdowns. His agent, Rocky Arceneaux, issued a statement on behalf of Elliott in response.

“I’d like to thank Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys for affording Zeke this unique opportunity in granting us our release,” Arceneaux wrote. “Even though nothing is imminent, Zeke is excited about the possibilities and is grateful. He’s got a lot of good football left in him and will remain a Dallas cowboy for life.”

Elliott is a franchise legend, after being selected fourth overall in the 2016 NFL Draft. Elliott has the third most rushing yards (8,488) and rushing touchdowns (71) in Cowboys history, but was initially released by the team in 2023.

After testing free agency, Elliott was finally signed to a new team on Aug. 16, 2023 after being offered a one-year deal by the New England Patriots. Elliott had 184 carries for 642 yards and three touchdowns along with 51 receptions for 313 yards and two touchdowns last season.

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott pushed hard for Elliott's return.

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott pushed hard for Elliott’s return.

Elliott never wanted to leave Dallas, and was delighted when securing his return ahead of the 2024 season. It’s not been the season that Elliott, or the Cowboys, had hoped for, and the cracks started to show last month.

Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy dropped Elliott ahead of facing the Atlanta Falcons, citing disciplinary reasons for his absence. Elliott’s punctuality was questioned when it came to attending team meetings, and McCarthy felt forced to take action.

“Zeke couldn’t make the trip,” Jones said at the time. “He was being punished. I know Zeke is the first to recognize the discipline involved in meetings.”

Elliott’s reunion has ended on a sour note, but the running back will now head to waivers and await to see whether a playoff team will take a chance on the veteran. Several Super Bowl contenders are in need of depth in the running back position.