Do the Dallas Cowboys and Ezekiel Elliott reunite this year despite the running back’s release? Club owner Jerry Jones doesn’t want to rule anything out on the subject.

The door remains open for Ezekiel Elliott to return to the Dallas Cowboys. That was made clear by club owner Jerry Jones, who, when asked about the personnel matter, is quoted on the team website as saying: “The ship hasn’t sailed away yet.”

At the same time, the 80-year-old stressed, “We haven’t made a decision yet. Obviously we drafted a running back, a little different in style than Zeke, but that doesn’t change anything … As far as our interest in Zeke, what we did today didn’t change anything.”

Jones alluded to Kansas State’s draft of Deuce Vaughn, who was selected at 212th overall. The pick had made for a particularly emotional moment because the talent’s father works as a scout for the Cowboys and had also started the crucial phone call.

Cowboys save tens of millions by firing him

With the rookie, five running backs are under contract to “America’s Team”: in addition to Tony Pollard, who was penciled in as the starter, two-time Super Bowl champion Ronald Jones, as well as Malik Davis, Rico Dowdle and just Vaughn.

A lot should come down to what Elliott wants to earn in his eighth NFL season. In 2019, the fourth pick of the 2016 draft had signed a six-year deal that could have paid him $90 million. The release reportedly saves the Cowboys more than $10 million this season.

Jones shows openness to Elliott return

After the now 27-year-old was the NFL’s two-time rushing yards leader in his first three years and was voted to the Pro Bowl three times by 2019, he subsequently declined significantly – also plagued by injuries.

2022 was his weakest season in runs (231), rushing yards (876), yards per run (3.8) but also receptions (17), receiving yards (92) and yards per catch (5.4). Pollard clearly outran Elliott.

Still, Cowboys decision-makers are considering re-signing No. 21. “We’re sitting here evaluating it and seeing what his situation is, what our situation is,” Jones clarified the state of play, then added, “But I’m not ruling Zeke out. “