NFL News: Ezekiel Elliott, Chargers Reportedly Agree to Contract amid Cowboys Release

Adam WellsJanuary 7, 2025

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Ezekiel Elliott’s desire to land with a playoff contender for the remainder of this season has paid off after reportedly agreeing to a deal with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Per NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the 29-year-old will sign with the Chargers to provide depth in the backfield.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport noted it was a deal to join the practice squad:

Ian Rapoport @RapSheetThe #Chargers are signing RB Zeke Elliott to their practice squad, source said, with the hope that the former #Cowboys back gets up to speed quickly. pic.twitter.com/LPj9t4oBtu

According to Schultz, Elliott had interest from “several playoff teams” but preferred the fit with the Chargers.

After spending the first 16 weeks of the regular season with the Dallas Cowboys, he was surprisingly released by the club on Dec. 31.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones explained the move was made to give Elliott the opportunity to sign with a playoff team:

“Out of respect and appreciation for Zeke and wanting to provide him with an opportunity to pursue any potential playoff participation possible, we are releasing him from the Cowboys roster today. As I have said many times previously, Zeke’s impact as one of the greatest to ever play with the Star on their helmet will never change and is etched in our record books and history forever. We thank him, love him and wish him the absolute best.”

The Cowboys brought Elliott back by signing him to a one-year deal in the offseason. He was originally drafted by the team in 2016 and spent eight years with the club before being released following the 2022 season.

After a one-year stint with the New England Patriots in 2023, he returned to Dallas as the backup to Rico Dowdle. The three-time Pro Bowler had 74 carries for 226 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games for the Cowboys prior to his release.

Elliott’s primary value at this stage of his career comes as a blocker in passing situations. He’s also a capable receiver on checkdowns.

Even though the overall impact that he can have for a team right now is minimal, there are plenty of teams that have protection issues who could use someone with his skill as a pass-blocker.

Los Angeles could look to utilize Elliott in third-down situations in the playoffs or perhaps to give J.K. Dobbins and Hassan Haskins a breather if needed.