Why the Cowboys Should (and Shouldn't) Reunite With Ezekiel Elliott

2. Finding the Next Generation at RB

Pursuing Elliott is a relatively safe move. He brings an established skill set and personality, one we know that's brought success to Dallas. However, in the spirit of evolution, the Cowboys need to let the past die in order to better prepare for the future.

Yes, RB2 is a major question mark. But letting this competition play out could provide an answer the team never anticipated.

After all, this position is one that goes through a ton of churn across the league. Teams have found they can get similar value out of younger or less experienced players, which has led to the plight of veterans like Elliott.

Why not give Malik Davis, Deuce Vaughn or Rico Dowdle a shot at RB2, if they look like they could handle the job? The Cowboys may find out one of these players actually fits their current offense better than Zeke does, helping the team continue to reshape its framework.

Plus, there's no telling how long Pollard will stick around in Dallas while he plays under the franchise tag this season. It's a possibility his replacement is already on the roster, but the team would never find that out if Zeke comes in to handle backup duties.

After all, Pollard went from fifth-round draft pick to RB1. Maybe Vaughn, a 2023 sixth-round pick, follows the same path. Or perhaps Dowdle follows James Robinson's footsteps as an UDFA who comes out of nowhere to post over 1,000 yards on the ground.

Facing the unknown without Elliott is scary, but Dallas may come out of the other side better for it.

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