Dallas Cowboys: Proposed Trade Scenario Extends Longevity of Super Bowl Window

This trade has not happened yet, but eventually it will. Ezekiel Elliott has proven he can be a crutch for an offense to lean on. He has been in the league over half a decade now and has maintained a steady stat line. A key to any players success is health and Elliott is no different. He has added a well rounded aspect to the Cowboys offense since his rookie season in 2016. Unfortunately for him and the team, he has declined each year since rather than improving.  This can only lead to one course of action, trade.

Trading Ezekiel Elliott Potential Downside

The biggest benefit Ezekiel Elliott has brought to the Dallas Cowboys is a balanced offense. Losing this could turn the team into a one dimensional force. As it is the offense tends to be pass heavy lead by coach McCarthy and quarterback Dak Prescott. This style of play poses for excitement for fans when it works, typically home games or indoor stadiums. But not having balance to an offense makes you predictable and easier to defend. Coach McCarthy has struggled with this offensive tendency in the past. So it stands that without Ezekiel Elliott he could fall back to this.

Trading Ezekiel Elliott Potential Upside

Since bursting into the scene in 2016 Ezekiel Elliott has only maintained, not improved. That being the case his best years could be behind him. The Cowboys are fortunate to have Tony Pollard as a quick replacement. The difference in their salaries is tremendous. Ezekiel Elliott is set to make 12.4M, while Tony Pollard is set to make less than 1M for the 2022 season. In 2021 Pollard managed to average 5.5 yards per carry compared to Elliott’s 4.2 yards per carry. As long as his health remains while carrying the workload Tony Pollard has shown improvement as a back. Even though he hasn’t proven he can handle the responsibility he does have the potential to be as good if not better.

Trade Possibilities?

With the salary Ezekiel Elliott is carrying the potential to acquire a good deal may be tricky. That being said he is currently healthy and would benefit several NFL teams. Being the player that he is, the Cowboys could look to get top tier talent in this deal. The other possible option is to gain depth, most likely on defense. This could also leave money left on the table to retain current players nearing the end of their contracts.  The Cowboys have options with this trade. The future of the teams success could hang in the balance. The decision to make this trade could come down to the opportune moment. Hopefully when the deal is made all parties benefit and Ezekiel Elliott continues to enjoy a successful career.

For More Of My Content Follow Me On Twitter At @23NEMP