Ezekiel Elliott

I was vehemently against drafting Ezekiel Elliott across all formats in 2022. I was convinced that his best days were behind him and that Tony Pollard was the clear-cut better running back in the Dallas backfield. And I felt like the stance was mostly correct. Zeke finished as RB19 versus Pollard's RB7 status. Elliott posted career lows in yards per carry (3.7), receptions and targets. But he was an absolute TD monster, finishing second in expected touchdowns with 12 real rushing scores. Only Joe Mixon and Jamaal Williams totaled more carries inside the 10-yard line than Elliott. And ultimately the scoring was what made Zeke a usable fantasy asset especially after he returned from injury. He scored eight touchdowns from Weeks 11-17. For him to sustain any fantasy value in 2023 and beyond, Elliott will need to carve out a role as a team's primary red-zone back.

Former Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott has narrowed his free-agent suitors to the Eagles, Jets, and Bengals.

Fantasy Impact

Schefter also notes in his Tweet that Elliott hopes to make his decision by the end of next week. The Cowboys released Elliott after he rushed for a career-low 876 yards in 2022 although he still capitalized near the end zone with 12 touchdowns on the season. Two two-time NFL rushing leader is likely best suited for short-yardage situations moving forward.