When the Dallas Cowboys made the decision to release star running back Ezekiel Elliott, it was undoubtedly a difficult one. Many fans and experts speculated about whether the team would prioritize the organization’s interests or Elliott’s when making the decision. Although the Cowboys have not yet reaped the benefits of the move, the $10.9 million they will save against the salary cap after June 1 will go a long way towards future expenses, such as signing the 2023 draft class, paying dead money from the move, and participating in the post-draft free agent frenzy.
Emmitt Smith not a fan of releasing Zeke
Apart from the financial considerations, Elliott’s departure was also overdue. While he had achieved great success early in his career, his performance has been declining ever since he signed his lucrative six-year, $90 million contract. Despite this, franchise legend Emmitt Smith vehemently opposed the move and publicly criticized the team’s management, expressing his frustration with the decision in the comments section of the Cowboys’ Instagram account. Smith’s comments, however, were met with a mixed reception, as the decision to release Elliott was widely seen as the right one.
Moreover, Elliott’s financial situation does not support Smith’s argument. With a $50 million guarantee and a contract that made him the highest-paid running back in the NFL, Elliott has earned a career total of $70.6 million, far surpassing any other running back since he was drafted in 2016. Therefore, the point Smith made about the importance of chasing money in the NFL does not apply to Elliott’s case.
The Cowboys showed love and respect for their former running back
In reality, the Cowboys organization has always shown love and respect for Elliott, as evidenced by the overwhelming positivity that followed the news of his release from fans and the media. Despite this, Elliott’s decline in production and efficiency made his release a necessary decision. While he still has value as a runner between the tackles and near the goal line, his performance outside the tackles has been disappointing, generating negative yardage over expectation on 114 carries last season. Therefore, while it is difficult to disagree with a legend like Smith, his criticisms of the Cowboys’ decision to release Elliott do not hold up under scrutiny.
