Ezekiel Elliott "got his money and hit the wall," Skip Bayless claims with ex-Cowboys RB out of a job
Ezekiel Elliott's time with the Dallas Cowboys came to an end after the team released him after seven seasons with the franchise.
Skip Bayless, a well-known fan of the franchise, shared his thoughts on the team releasing the running back. Bayless commented on the former Ohio State Buckeyes star not being the same player after getting a six-year, $90 million contract in 2019.
"I have never seen a running back hit the wall even harder than he used to hit the hole. Just he got his money and he hit the wall."
The Undisputed co-host also noted that when Cowboys owner Jerry Jones gave Elliott the contract, he was on board with it at the time. He also noted that was also when the fall of his career began.
Bayless added:
"And finally, it's a contractual impasse, and he goes to Cabo and he's running in the sand, and all of a sudden, Jerry caves in just before the season starts and I said give him his money, make him the highest paid running back in pro football because he had earned it."
"But, as you well know with NFL contracts, it can't be what you've earned. It must be what you will do for said team. And unfortunately, from that moment on, it was a meteoric fall."
The 27-year-old was set to count $16.7 million against the Cowboys' salary cap this upcoming season with a $10.9 million non-guaranteed base salary. To Skip Bayless' point, Ezekiel Elliott was not the same running back that was in his rookie season.
Ezekiel Elliott played hurt. He played hard. The last two years he dealt with a Grade 2 tear of the PCL in his right knee and a hyperextended knee that required him to wear a brace. Jerry Jones said from the combine that Elliott was more hurt than he let on in 2022.
In that 2016 season, Elliott led the NFL in carries (331) yards (1,631) and yards per game (108.7). He finished second to teammate and quarterback Dak Prescott in the Offensive Rookie of the Year voting. His yards per game have dropped slightly each season since 2016, reaching 58.4 yards last season.
Now, as a free agent, there could be some teams in the market for the three-time Pro Bowler's services.
Ezekiel Elliott possible landing spots this offseason
When the Cowboys parted ways with Ezekiel Elliott, many teams could try to sign the All-Pro back this offseason, starting with the Buffalo Bills. The Bills offense has the likes of quarterback Josh Allen and wide receiver Stefon Diggs.
Yet, Buffalo could use a player like Elliott, especially when the games become a bit snowy in the fall and winter using their ground game.
The Cincinnati Bengals could be a team to watch for as current running back Joe Mixon could be moved this offseason. Ezekiel Elliott brings both experience and a possible salary cap-friendly number to a team in need of some relief in that department.
Elliott could be a major asset for a team in need of help in their backfield and we'll see which team takes a chance on him this offseason.
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