sport news Cowboys 'are likely to release two-time NFL rushing champion Ezekiel Elliott' ... trends now Cowboys 'are likely to release two-time NFL rushing champion Ezekiel Elliott, despite exploring a reworked deal,' bringing an end to the running back's seven years in Dallas By Isabel Baldwin For Dailymail.Com Published: 15:01 GMT, 15 March 2023 | Updated: 15:07 GMT, 15 March 2023 Viewcomments Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott is reportedly expected to be released by the franchise. The Cowboys had explored the possibility of reworking their longtime running back's deal but are now likely to release the two-time NFL rushing champion, according to The Fort Worth Star-Telegram. The move reportedly could come as soon as Wednesday afternoon when the league’s 2023 calendar officially begins at 3pm and teams are required to be under the salary cap. It would bring about the end of an era in Dallas for the 28-year-old, who has spent seven years with the organization. He was scheduled to count $16.4 million against the 2023 salary cap and negotiations geared toward lowering that number were unsuccessful, per the report. Cutting Elliott would save the Cowboys $4.86 million if he's released Wednesday. Opting to designate Elliott as a post-June 1 cut would save $10.9 million. Elliott was slowed in the second half of last season by a knee injury and wasn't fully healthy in 2021. He rushed for a career-low 876 yards and 3.9 yards per carry in 2022 while backup Tony Pollard emerged as a 1,000-yard rusher and big-play threat. The Cowboys used the franchise tag in March to retain Pollard at a cost of $10.1 million, resulting in a commitment of more than $27 million to the position for 2023. Elliott signed a six-year, $90 million contract in 2019. He ranks third in franchise history with 8,262 rushing yards, 68 rushing and 80 total touchdowns. More to follow. Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility