5 Cowboys Unlikely to Return in 2025 After Poor Start to Season

The Dallas Cowboys' start to the 2024 NFL season has been a mixed bag, to say the least. While a 3-2 record through five weeks isn't the worst start, the Cowboys haven't exactly looked like Super Bowl contenders so far and that must change soon if they want the championship drought to end in February.

Football is a team sport, however, it's clear that certain Dallas players are holding the team back. While some players might be given a chance to turn things around, others may have already played themselves out of the franchise's future plans.

With that in mind, here are five Cowboys who likely won't return for the 2025 season.

1. Ezekiel Elliott, RB

It's safe to say that Ezekiel Elliott's return to the Lone Star State has been nothing short of disappointing.

After signing a one-year deal to return to the Cowboys in the offseason, Elliott has looked like a shell of his former self. Declining athleticism has resulted in the 29-year-old running back recording only 98 rushing yards and a touchdown on 30 carries to begin the year. He's failed to hit the 20-yard mark in four consecutive games while his 3.3 yards per carry is a new personal low.

It isn't difficult to see that Elliott's spot in the offense is diminishing quickly. He went from averaging 30 offensive snaps in Weeks 1 and 2 to 16 in the last three games. It doesn't help that Rico Dowdle has fully cemented himself as the lead back in Dallas by taking advantage of Elliott's production (or lack thereof).

Elliott will always have a special place in Cowboys fans' hearts, however, that won't be good enough to warrant a 2025 return. Unless he figures out how to turn back the clock during the final stretch, chances are this is Elliott's final season with America's Team.