Former Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott has continued his offseason search for a landing spot as potential jobs continue to disappear. This was the case yet again on Sunday with the news that the Pittsburgh Steelers signed draft bust Trey Sermon to a one-year deal. What could have been a great chance to win a backup role for Elliott is now gone. It is hard to believe that this is where the former Cowboy finds himself after last year's failed reunion.
Elliott is still only twenty-nine and has over 9,000 career rushing yards. The continued search speaks to how badly things have gone over the last two seasons. After leaving the Cowboys initially, Elliott landed with the New England Patriots before attempting a reunion with Dallas for the 2024 season. By the end of the 2024 season, Elliott was a forgotten depth option, even with his impressive Dallas history.
Pittsburgh Signing Trey Sermon Continues Ezekiel Elliott's Frustrating 2025 Offseason
It is easy to forget that it was just the 2020 season when Elliott finished with over 1,000 yards and averaged more than four yards per carry. These are the types of numbers Dallas fans were spoiled for watching in the 2016-2020 seasons. While Elliott's peak might have been frustratingly brief, there is no denying what a special talent the back was.
Making it all the more surprising that failed draft picks are finding contracts before the accomplished former Dallas star. A big piece of this is likely due to the name value of bringing in Elliott. Teams cannot cut Elliott and pivot in a different direction as easily as they might with Sermon or other depth moves that clearly have a lower ceiling.
While it appears the door has closed in Dallas, it would be a surprise not to see the veteran's career continue. Still only twenty-nine, there is a chance Elliott finds the right fit and becomes a reliable second option or a short-yardage weapon for the right team. As frustrating as 2024 might have been for both Elliott and Dallas, the back's accomplishments have still earned him at least that much.