The Dallas Cowboys announced on Wednesday that running back Ezekiel Elliott was being released after seven-seasons with the team.
The move is set to save Dallas about $11 million under the salary cap this coming season.
Owner and general manager Jerry Jones said both parties mutually agreed to the decision, opening the door for the 27-year-old Elliott to explore his free agency opportunities and also give the Cowboys more financial flexibility with their roster.
The two-time rushing champion will be designated a post-June 1 cut.
Elliott was selected as the fourth overall pick in the 2016 draft and became an instant star, leading the NFL with 1,631 yards as a rookie and helping Dallas to the top seed in the NFC alongside fellow first-year sensation Prescott.
Elliott’s second season was interrupted by a six-game suspension due to domestic violence allegations. Elliott did fight the ban in federal court, he eventually abandoned the two-month effort 10 games into the 2017 season.
Despite the suspension, Elliott still finished as the league leader in yards rushing per game, added a second rushing title in 2018, and he and Prescott won their first playoff game together, with a wild-card victory over Seattle.
Elliott was plagued with injuries in recent years, losing much of the explosiveness that marked his first few seasons. Although he rarely missed games over his final two seasons, he finished with career lows of 876 yards and a 3.8-yard average per carry last season.
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