Former Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott is still without a team after being released back in April, but quarterback Dak Prescott is excited for his next opportunity.
At the end of last season the Cowboys placed the franchise tag on fellow running back Tony Pollard but let Elliott go. Pollard enjoyed the better season and scored 12 touchdowns (nine rushing), and the Cowboys put their faith in him over Elliott.
Pollard is still in negotiations after being tagged, and is one of many running backs that are awaiting a new contract after being protected by the team. Josh Jacobs and Saquon Barkley are also yet to agree to new terms.
Prescott was close with Elliott and is sad to see his "best friend" leave the franchise, especially since they've been there together since being drafted together in 2016. There's been speculation suggesting that Elliott could return on a reduced salary, but the running back did offer to do it while he was still under contract and got released anyway.
"That’s my best friend,” Prescott said to Dallas Morning News. "We’ll continue to work, continue to push each other. He looks great. I’m excited for whatever opportunity he has coming up, and I’m always his biggest fan."
On NFL Network it was discussed that the Cowboys could open talks with Elliott once again, and they remain the franchise he wants to play for. ''I want to be here," Elliott said before being released.
"I don't have a crystal ball; I can't tell you the future. But I definitely want to be here." Until now the free agent hasn't received much interest from fellow NFL teams, but Elliott has recently been linked with the New England Patriots.
The running back is still only 27, but there are reports he could join the Patriots as a back-up option. Rhamondre Stevenson has the hopes of the Patriots on his shoulders, but after the franchise cut James Robinson due to injury they could use a player like Elliott, who isn't expected to break the bank.
The Patriots also remain linked with receiver DeAndre Hopkins, and they've already replaced Jakobi Meyers with Juju Smith-Schuster. The franchise also brought back offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien, with Bill Belichick determined to improve after a disappointing year.
The Patriots missed out on the postseason as Mac Jones struggled for form, and the Cowboys once again fell in the playoffs. Questions have been asked of Prescott, due to his poor record in the postseason.
Elliott will certainly want to make a splash wherever he goes, although it seems back home with Dallas is his preference. Since Elliott was released, the Cowboys re-signed Rico Dowdle and signed Ronald Jones, but Pollard remains the standout senior option.
