3 reasons why Ezekiel Elliott to Detroit Lions makes perfect sense for NFL Playoffs

Ezekiel Elliott and the Dallas Cowboys are no longer paired after a storybook reunion. As a final gesture of goodwill, the team released Elliott to allow him to chase a championship with any team that would have him, per a team statement on social media.

The potential top NFC seed, Detroit Lions, is perhaps Elliott's top landing spot. Here's a look at why adding Elliott would be the best thing.

#1 - David Montgomery injury

Ezekiel Elliott at Dallas Cowboys v Las Vegas Raiders - Source: Getty

Despite the hope that the Detroit Lions are trying to foster about David Montgomery's injury, rational expectations are that he will miss the last handful of games left on the calendar.

Even if he miraculously returns, there is likely little chance he will be anywhere close to peak form. As such, with a hole on the roster to fill, Elliott makes plenty of sense.

Elliott has been used as a goal-line back at times throughout his recent career, so he might slide in to be a decent goal-line option for the Lions. Otherwise, they might need to simply run Jahmyr Gibbs into the ground.

Depending on how big a picture the Lions are thinking at this time, Elliott might help save Gibbs. Any long-term injury sustained for Gibbs likely would affect the 2025 season, so anything that can be done to avoid that should be.

#2 - Experience playing indoors

Ezekiel Elliott at Preseason Chargers at Cowboys - Source: Getty

The former Dallas Cowboys running back has worked in a dome-like stadium setting for most of his career. Ford Field is an indoor stadium, so adding Elliott to the running back room also adds him to a space where he might be more comfortable than other backs who mostly have played outside.

Whether it's managing the lighting, the indoor-boosted acoustics or any other details similar between AT&T Stadium and Ford Field, Elliott might be instantly more comfortable with the Detroit Lions than with other outdoor settings.

With the road to the playoffs potentially going through Detroitland, Ezekiel Elliott might not need to set foot outside all January.

#3 - Once in a career opportunity to cash in on unique motivator

Ezekiel Elliott at Indianapolis Colts v Dallas Cowboys - Source: Getty

At this point, the writing might be on the wall for Ezekiel Elliott. At 29 years old and getting ready to turn 30 in the offseason with a history of struggling to reverse a downtrend in yards per carry and rushing yards, it might be about his time to hang it up.

This season, he earned just 3.1 yards per carry. The smoking gun might be the Cowboys' choice to let him chase a Super Bowl elsewhere, a move usually reserved for players getting ready to retire.

If this is the end for Elliott, he has every reason to elevate his preparation, focus, and commitment to a level he perhaps never has. As such, there is an outside chance of him delivering one last wrung-out glimpse of the back who was.

On the other hand, if he feels like he needs to convince some teams to re-sign him in the offseason, he will also be extra motivated to turn in a breakout performance with all eyes on him.