The Dallas Cowboys have officially released running back Ezekiel Elliott after seven seasons.
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The move comes as no surprise to many fans and analysts, as Elliott's performance has declined in recent years and his hefty contract has become a burden on the team's salary cap.
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Elliott was a dominant force in his first few seasons with the Cowboys, rushing for over 1,000 yards in each of his first three seasons and earning two Pro Bowl selections.
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However, his production began to decline in 2019 and 2020, with his yards per carry dropping to a career-low 4.0 in 2020.
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He signed a six-year, $90 million extension in 2019, making him one of the highest-paid running backs in the league.
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With the salary cap expected to be tight in the coming years, the Cowboys could no longer justify paying such a high price for a player who was no longer performing at an elite level.
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While it's never easy to part ways with a player who has been a cornerstone of the team for many years, the Cowboys are making the right decision in releasing Elliott.
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They can now move forward with a younger, more affordable running back who can help them build a sustainable future for the franchise.