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Ezekiel Elliott's future with the Dallas Cowboys could be in serious jeopardy in the 2023 NFL off-season. At 27 years old, he has surpassed the typical lifespan for a workhorse running back in the NFL. His playing time and production during the 2022 NFL season are an example of this. He played less than 50 percent of the offensive snaps and recorded fewer than four yards per carry, each for the first time in his career.
Mel Kiper Jr. believes that the Cowboys will use the 2023 NFL Draft to replace Ezekiel Elliott. He stated that he thinks the organization could potentially release their star running back to save money on their 2023 salary cap. Cutting Elliot would save the Cowboys nearly $11 million in salary cap space this year.
"Elliot could be a salary-cap casualty this offseason."
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Mel Kiper Jr. outlined in his first official mock draft ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft that he believes the Cowboys will pursue Bijan Robinson. The Texas Longhorns' superstar running back is considered by many to be one of the best overall offensive weapons among all the draft prospects this year.
The Cowboys' running backs have been one of the strengths of their team over the last several seasons, but they have serious issues entering 2023. With Ezekiel Elliott showing clear signs of regression, Tony Pollard also broke his leg in the Cowboys' Divisional Round matchup against the San Francisco 49ers in the 2022 NFL Playoffs.
Further complicating Pollard's situation with the Cowboys is his expiring contract. He is set to become a free agent during the 2023 NFL offseason. His injury could have a major impact on his contract negotiations, so there's no guarantee that the Cowboys will offer him a new deal. This means it's entirely possible for the Cowboys to go from two solid running backs to zero before the start of the 2023 NFL season.
Is Bijan Robinson capable of replacing Ezekiel Elliott as the top RB for the Cowboys?
Bijan Robinson has been one of the best running backs in the country in each of the last three college football seasons with the Texas Longhorns. He has totaled a massive 4,215 scrimmage yards and 41 total touchdowns while averaging seven yards per touch.
Robinson's stat line is quite similar to Ezekiel Elliott's career with the Ohio State Buckeyes. Elliott has recorded 4,410 scrimmage yards and 44 total touchdowns in three college football seasons. The two possess dynamic skillsets, so maybe Robinson will provide a smooth transition as part of the Cowboys' backfield if they decide to move on from what they currently have.
