Ezekiel Elliott might be option for Cowboys but not DeAndre Hopkins, brass says

Ezekiel Elliott could remain with the Dallas Cowboys after all.

While speaking to reporters Monday, Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones left open the possibility of Elliott re-signing in Dallas.

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The Cowboys released the running back in March after seven seasons with the franchise. Dallas saved nearly $11 million against the 2023 cap as a result of Elliott’s release, per OverTheCap. The decision to cut Elliott paves the way for running back Tony Pollard to assume the starting role this year. Dallas placed Pollard under the franchise tag this offseason.

Elliott is coming off a 2022 season in which he had career lows in rushing yards (876) and average yards per carry (3.8).

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Elliott’s 8,262 rushing yards and 68 career rushing touchdowns both rank third in Cowboys franchise history. The veteran running back turns 28 years old in July.

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While the Cowboys are open to Elliott’s return, the team’s decision-makers have seemingly shut down the possibility of adding wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who was released by the Arizona Cardinals on May 26.

“He’s not on this team right now. We went down the road with (Brandin) Cooks,” Cowboys vice president Stephen Jones said to reporters, per the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “We’re very comfortable with Cooks. We’re pleased with our receiving group.”

The Cowboys traded for Cooks in March.

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on Twitter @TheTylerDragon.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ezekiel Elliott might be option for Cowboys but not DeAndre Hopkins