Cowboys GM Jerry Jones makes feelings known on Ezekiel Elliott's release after $2,000,000 RB's forgettable season

Ezekiel Elliott, the Dallas Cowboys' running back, requested a trade which the team has decided to honor. He had been drafted by the team as the No. 4 pick in 2016. However, he was traded to the New England Patriots in 2023 and found his way back to Dallas in 2024 on a one-year, $2 million contract.

However, his second stint in Dallas was forgettable as he recorded a career-low 3.1 yards per carry and just has three touchdowns to his name.

It's unclear though what prompted him to seek a trade so urgently considering there's only one game left in the regular season and he would've become a free agent by not signing an extension with the team.

But apparently the rift between him and the team started midseason when he was barred from playing for the team in a Week 9 game against the Atlanta Falcons because the RB had reportedly skipped several team meetings.

Team owner Jerry Jones released a statement about Elliott's departure. He said that he was agreeing to release him "out of respect and appreciation" and said that "Zeke," as he is better known, was now free to join any potential playoff team.

"As I have said many times previously, Zeke’s impact as one of the greatest to ever play with the Star on their helmet will never change and is etched in our record books and history forever. We thank him, love him and wish him the absolute best," Jones said in a statement.

As fans pointed out, it could be possible that he already has a team in sight, but considering his decline in recent years, it seems that the running back will have trouble finding a new home.

Ezekiel Elliott lost out on several incentives during the season

Ezekiel Elliott's contract had several incentives that the RB failed to reach. They included a $250,000 bonus for recording 1,110 yards from scrimmage and helping the team secure a playoff berth.

He also missed out on another $250,000 for securing 10 touchdowns and a playoff berth and $500,000 for playing 51% of the snaps and helping the team secure a playoff berth. With the Cowboys being eliminated from the playoffs, his personal stats don't matter, but he failed to achieve them as well.

Which team will Ezekiel Elliott land with?