Why Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott is excited about Ezekiel Elliott joining Patriots

The Dallas Cowboys ended an era in March when they released running back Ezekiel Elliott, a two-time NFL rushing champion and teams third all-time leading rusher.

But it didn’t end Elliott’s relationship with quarterback Dak Prescott.

The two have been best friends since their joined the Cowboys as rookies in 2016. Elliott was taken 4th overall and Prescott was a fourth-round pick.

And they have spoken daily since Elliott’s release.

Prescott is admittedly excited about Elliott’s new home and new opportunity with the New England Patriots.

The two sides came to terms in Monday and Elliott joined the team on Tuesday.

“I’ve talked to Zeke pretty much every day,” Prescott said. “Obviously had great insight that this was coming up, that this was a potential for him. Told him I support him, excited that he was going to be able to get a new opportunity.”

Prescott said he saw Elliott last weekend when the Cowboys returned home for the preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

He said their relationship extends beyond football and predicted a successful run in New England for his friend.

“Once again that’s a brother well beyond this football field,” Prescott said. “A guy that I came into this league with and was able to spend an amazing seven years with him and so just supporting him however I can personally and excited for his new opportunity up in New England. I know he’s going to help that team. You talk about being a great teammate, being just a professional, there’s not many better than Zeke that I’ve seen in my time.

I know he’s going to help that locker room. I think he’s going to fit in just fine and excited to watch him.”

Prescott even commented the new look Elliott is sporting in New England. He has gone back to the clean cut he wore in Dallas as a rookie rather than the braids of the past few years.

“I love his new haircut,” Prescott said. “He looks younger.”

Elliott was cut by the Cowboys on March 15 due to a high salary and a decline in production.

The former two-time NFL rushing champ, who was picked fourth overall in 2016, tallied a career-low 876 rushing yards in 2022.

Elliott was set to count $16.7 million against the salary cap with a $10.9 million non-guaranteed base salary in 2023. He was released as a post-June 1 cut, allowing the Cowboys to save nearly $11 million against the 2023 cap.

The Cowboys elevated Tony Pollard to the starting role after break out 2022 in season when he made the Pro Bowl for the first time.

Pollard was given the $10.1 million franchise to replace Elliott’s salary as well as his role as the featured back.

Elliott, 28, finished his career with the Cowboys as the team’s third all-time leading rusher with 1,881 carries for 8,262 yards and 68 rushing touchdowns.

He also caught 305 passes for 2,336 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Elliott had held out hope that he might get a chance to re-join the Cowboys. And owner Jerry Jones said he would never close the door on an Elliott return.

But an offer from the Cowboys never materialized.

The Patriots are providing Elliott a chance to have a solid role in an offense that will be decidedly run-oriented.