Google News Ex-Cowboys RBs coach: Ezekiel Elliott is still good but has to accept lesser role
by DZEVAD MESIC | VIEW 638
Former Dallas Cowboys running backs coach Skip Peete suggests Ezekiel Elliott will sign with an NFL team when he accepts a lesser role. After seven seasons with the Cowboys, Elliott was cut this offseason because his production wasn't matching the money he was receiving in Dallas.
Two months have passed since Elliott became a free agent but the three-time Pro Bowl running back remains unsigned. Peete, who was the Cowboys running backs coach for three seasons, joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason.
“I think that’s part of the reason he’s sitting out there. If you’re going to play, I mean, you’re going to be the second and third guy. That’s kind of what the price is. So. that’s something that a person has to be able to see that that is what it is going to be," Peete said, per The Tampa Bay Times.
Peete: Elliott is still a quality running back
This past season, Elliott posted some solid numbers as he rushed for 876 yards and 12 touchdowns. Those aren't bad numbers but aren't great numbers either. “I think Zeke is still a good, quality running back.
He’s playing 50% of the snaps, so your numbers are not the same, that’s natural. But he still scored 12 touchdowns. He still caught the ball well. He still had numerous third-and-1, and short and goal-line places where he helped us win games.
He’s still a physical load," Peete added. Prior to his release, Elliott was scheduled to count $16.7 million against the 2023 salary cap. Initially, it was believed that the Cowboys would ask Elliott for a pay cut. In the end, the Cowboys decided to just cut Elliott.
Now in order to continue his NFL career, Elliott will likely have to accept a lesser role and being a running back No 2 or No 3.
