The Dallas Cowboys need a lead running back, and they could bring back a familiar face for the 2024 season. The Cowboys let Tony Pollard walk away into free agency this offseason after applying the franchise tag to him in 2023. Pollard signed with the Tennessee Titans in free agency.

The Dallas Cowboys need to replace Tony Pollard

Houston Texans, Tony Pollard, Dallas Cowboys
Dec 17, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard (20) takes the field before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
The Cowboys were expected to try and add another top running back in free agency. However, the team has been apprehensive about adding any outside help this month. The Cowboys could be cornered into adding a free agent they released in the 2023 offseason.

The Cowboys have interest in Ezekiel Elliott

Nov 5, 2018; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) celebrates a touchdown with wide receiver Amari Cooper (19) in the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
According to Jeremy Fowler with ESPN, the Cowboys and Ezekiel Elliott have mutual interest in teaming up for the upcoming season:

The Dallas Cowboys and free agent running back Ezekiel Elliott have mutual interest in a reunion, sources tell ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

While a deal between Elliott and his former club has not been reached, both sides are open to it, sources added.

Dallas likes the way Elliott finished the 2023 season in New England, where he played in all 17 regular-season games and saw a significant increase in workload in the final five weeks of the year after top rusher Rhamondre Stevenson was sidelined with a high-ankle sprain.

Elliott ran for 214 yards and a touchdown during the last five weeks of the season.

The Cowboys could use Elliott as a transitional RB

Dec 31, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New England Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) spikes the ball after scoring a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
The Cowboys drafted Elliott with the No. 4 pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. During his time with the Cowboys (2016-2022 seasons), he earned All-Pro honors twice and was nominated to the Pro Bowl three times. The Cowboys released Elliott last year to save cap space.

The team was considering adding Elliott back for the 2023 season if he agreed to a deal for less money. Elliott ultimately decided to sign with the Patriots. Now, the 28-year-old could be the Cowboys’ best bet in the backfield for the 2024 season. The Cowboys could sign Elliott on a one-year deal and draft a long-term plan in April.