As the Cowboys build their backfield in 2024, the future may include a familiar face.
Ezekiel Elliott and Dalvin Cook are two veteran options who stand to draw strong club consideration as free agency progresses. Elliott spent seven seasons in Dallas from 2016-22. Cook would reunite with Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, his head coach on the Minnesota Vikings from 2017-21.
Team owner Jerry Jones and executive vice president Stephen Jones told The Dallas Morning News this week at the NFL’s annual meeting they could neither confirm nor deny interest in the running backs. While they declined to comment, anyone contemplating the Cowboys’ direction at the position would be wise to monitor the veteran running backs in conjunction with a rookie pick. Multiple people familiar with the players’ thinking told The News the veterans have interest in potentially signing with Dallas.
It appears all but certain Dallas will select a running back next month during the draft’s second or third day, which together span the second to seventh rounds. That rookie would project for rotational touches as part of a larger backfield committee.Rico Dowdle and fullback Hunter Luepke are among the running backs under contract.
Elliott or Cook could factor into that rotation. Elliott has maintained strong relationships within the building. Cook, a repeat team captain under Zimmer, would embrace being back with him.
“I think we definitely want to add to the running back room,” coach Mike McCarthy said. “We’re not done with that room by no means, whether it’s a veteran, whether it is a draft pick. Signing Rico back was important. He’s definitely someone that was part of the one-two rotation last year, so we feel good about him.
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