Despite this situation, one of the league’s top defenders will continue playing for at least one more year. However, his presence on Jim Harbaugh‘s team is not yet certain, and his future could lie with another franchise.

The news was confirmed by NFL insider Adam Schefter, who, through his X (formerly Twitter) account @AdamSchefter, stated that Mack has decided to play at the highest level for at least one more year.

“Nine-time Pro-Bowl LB Khalil Mack, who said after the Chargers’ postseason loss to the Texans that he needed to take some time to mull his future, will indeed play in the 2025 season, per source. Mack’s contract is up and he is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent,” Schefter stated.

Where will Mack’s next destination be?

As reported by journalist Adam Schefter through his X account, linebacker Khalil Mack’s contract with Los Angeles is up, and he is currently scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent.

With these cards on the table, what remains to be seen is where the former Chicago Bears player will go next. His desire to win a Super Bowl before retiring could be a sign of him joining a contender, although there are still no confirmations of any franchise inquiring about his services.

The situation of Ezekiel Elliott

Ezekiel Elliott joined the Chargers’ practice squad in recent days, but after the playoff elimination at the hands of the Houston Texans, his stint in Los Angeles has come to an end.

According to journalist Tom Pelissero, all players on the practice squad who were eliminated in the wild card round have their contracts automatically voided.

This is why the former Cowboys and Patriots player will have to look for new opportunities this offseason. Despite his great talent, the RB’s recent years have not been at his prime, and it remains uncertain where he will land next season.

Everything is set for the 2025 NFL playoffs. The Wild Card round will have some very exciting matchups, with the Chargers entering this round as big potential dark horses.

While Jim Harbaugh has done an exceptional job so far, the head coach is aware that the club still needs more star players. For that reason, he has signed Ezekiel Elliott to add depth in the running back position for the most important part of the campaign.

Jim Harbaugh gets real on why he signed Ezekiel Elliott for the Chargers

The Chargers are ready to face the 2025 playoffs. The AFC West club had a remarkable campaign despite the massive change at the head coaching position they underwent last year.

Prior to the 2024 season, the Chargers lured Jim Harbaugh back to the NFL with a lucrative contract. The head coach had a great tenure with the Michigan Wolverines, hoping to take that success to Los Angeles.

Now, the Chargers are facing the 2025 playoffs as potential contenders. However, Harbaugh is aware that he needs to surround Justin Herbert with more talent, which is why he asked the front office to sign a new running back.

Ezekiel Elliott has joined the Chargers for their playoff run. The former Cowboys player is not a stranger to Jim Harbaugh, who remembers facing Zeke in college when the running back had a remarkable game with Ohio State against Harbaugh’s Wolverines.

“Yeah, like most people who watch football, very familiar,” Harbaugh said. “And personally, I’ve got some bruises from days competing against Zeke. It’s great to see him, he’s here and we’ll start having at it today.”

Why did the Chargers sign Ezekiel Elliott?

A few days ago, the Cowboys released Ezekiel Elliott following a poor 2024 season. However, the running back quickly found a new team, as the Chargers acquired him to help Justin Herbert in the playoffs.

As of today, Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins are listed as questionable after struggling with several injuries. While Zeke is not expected to start, he adds depth to the roster in case the club needs another running back to face the Texans in the Wild Card round.

According to Ian Rapoport, the Chargers have signed Elliott to their practice squad, offering him a chance to rebuild his natural speed and explosiveness as a running back. The team’s goal is to assess his potential contribution for the playoffs.

It’s worth noting that Elliott’s last season with the Cowboys was far from his best. He managed only 2 touchdowns and 226 rushing yards on 74 attempts, starting just two games. This marked the second time since 2023 that he was no longer the undisputed starter in Dallas’ running back room.

The Chargers could be the perfect landing spot for him, given their strong running strategy. By the end of the 2024 regular season, they had amassed 1,882 rushing yards with 17 touchdowns—just six fewer than their passing touchdowns—a clear indicator of how heavily they rely on their running backs.

Elliott could fill the void left by a key player

One of the Chargers’ key running backs, Gus Edwards, has been sidelined with an injury for a few weeks. The team understands that without him, things could become challenging in the playoffs and the upcoming NFL season. Elliott could be the player to help mitigate Edwards’ absence. This season, Edwards recorded 4 touchdowns and 365 rushing yards before his injury.

Does Elliott have playoff experience?

Yes, Elliott has some playoff experience, although it’s relatively limited. He has started six postseason games, with his first appearance in 2016 and his most recent in 2022. His best playoff performance came during the 2018 season, where he scored his only two postseason touchdowns and posted 184 rushing yards in just two games with the Cowboys.

Elliott had begun his stint with Jones’ Cowboys in 2016, in a first cycle in which he played 103 games and ran for 8262 yards, contributing 68 touchdowns. He was cut for the first time in 2023, but returned to Dallas in 2024 to be part of a roster in which he played only 15 games and only two as a starter.

Elliott‘s expectation is to join a team that, unlike the Cowboys, will play in the playoffs. Given his numbers last year, however, that option will be more than complicated for the 29-year-old veteran. Jones has dealt with all kinds of players and has a soft spot for Zeke, so he decided to dedicate a few words to him.

Jones’ message to Elliott

“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, Elliott’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,” Jones said in reaction to Elliott’s release on the Cowboys’ official website.

Elliott accumulated 74 carries for 226 yards and three touchdowns for the Cowboys in his last cycle. His numbers were minimal in his final 15 games with Dallas, in which he played sparingly for Mike McCarthy’s team. The running back’s departure comes against a backdrop of multiple injury losses for America’s Team in 2024.

Elliott’s records at the Cowboys

Throughout his two cycles in Dallas, Elliott has made himself valued and excelled for owner Jones’ team. The Cowboys selected the 29-year-old with the fourth overall pick in the draft in 2015. From that point on, he has entered franchise history. He records the third most ground yards (8,488) and ground touchdowns (71).

However, it’s been a very quiet period of free agency for the Cowboys with big losses. Tony Pollard signed a huge deal with the Tennessee Titans and Tyron Smith will protect Aaron Rodgers with the New York Jets.

In this scenario, the Dallas Cowboys just made one of the most surprising moves in the NFL by bringing back Ezekiel Elliott. It seemed to be a broken relationship, but, Jones believe it’s time for another opportunity.

How many years does Ezekiel Elliott have on his contract?

Ezekiel Elliott signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys after playing in 2023 for legendary head coach Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots. Now, the running back warns the NFL as he is ready to win the Super Bowl.

“It was just important to me just to get back here and finish what I started. I think I still am a dominant guy. I’ve got to go out there and prove that. That’s a motivation. I think we all know how I feel about competing and leaving it all out there for my teammates.”

How long Ezekiel Elliott played for Dallas Cowboys?

Ezekiel Elliott played seven seasons for the Dallas Cowboys after being selected with the No.4 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. He became the third-best running back in Cowboys’ history with 8262 yards behind Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett.

That’s why, Dak Prescott acknowledged this could be a massive upgrade for an offense with names such as CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks. “When it’s time to be serious and lock in, there’s nobody better than him. It’s something every young guy should follow. The way that he goes about his business. It’s going to be huge for this team.”

During the 2023 offseason, the Cowboys decided to make a shocking move and cut Ezekiel Eelliott. The running back’s contract was a huge load for the NFC East team, and releasing him was the best option in financial terms.

Elliott didn’t want to leave Dallas, but circumstances required it. He spent the 2023 season with the Patriots, but his heart remained in Texas. Now back with the Lone Star club, he’s eager to prove he’s still a top-tier running back.

Ezekiell Elliott could be the starting RB for the Dallas Cowboys

For many fans, the Cowboys may have made a huge mistake regarding their running backs this year. The NFC East team released Tony Pollard this offseason, leaving the starting job open for a new player.

During the 2024 NFL Draft, the Lone Star club was expected to select a running back, but surprisingly, they did not. For that reason, they opted to sign a veteran player, one they were already familiar with.

The Cowboys have signed Ezekiel Elliott to a 1-year, $3 million contract. Both parties were interested in a reunion, and fortunately, things fell into place for it to happen.

However, a big question remains: what will be Zeke’s role in the team’s offense? Well, it seems that Will McClay, the VP of player personnel, has provided some insight. He shared that Elliott could serve as the club’s starting running back.

“You’ve got to look at the landscape of the position,” Will McClay said Wednesday, per LoneStarLive.com when talking about Zeke’s role. “You know what’s playing in the league and you’re grading those guys against the [other] guys in the league, and then you’re projecting on the college side. So you look at what’s available and then you make your decisions based on that.

“Zeke is a winning, starting running back in the league,” McClay said. “So you turn on the tape, you saw him do things, running power gap schemes, running inside and outside zone, helping in pass protection — all those things to show that the ability was still there. Adding him to this roster, it adds a guy that, No. 1, loves football, that wants to win here, that wants to be here, and that adds something to the roster from a leadership standpoint, as well as an ability to play.”

Who are the Cowboys running backs?

Following the release of Tony Pollard, the Cowboys had an opening at the starting running back position. With the decision not to draft a player for the position this year, a veteran will assume Pollard’s role this season.

In the team’s depth chart, Ezekiel Elliott is listed as RB1. Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, and Royce Freeman are set to compete for the backup role, but it appears that Dowdle is the favorite to support Zeke.

Needless to say, not many running backs find success in the National Football League after they lose a step, and Elliott’s production hasn’t been good for years now.

That’s why, as much as he was a fan favorite during his days in Arlington, even the biggest Cowboys fans questioned this move, as the team didn’t sign any of the big-name free agents available or get anybody in the NFL Draft.

Zeke Is Thrilled To Be Back

Following the signing, the former Ohio State star admitted that getting back with the Cowboys was always his priority, and he’s excited about being back with the team that drafted him:

“This was my priority. Doing what I could do to get back here,” Elliott said told Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “I have a lot left to accomplish here. I’m excited to get back with the fellas and chase that ring.”

Elliott Is Healthy

Elliott struggled with knee injuries over the past couple of seasons. Nonetheless, he claims to be back to full strength, and he believes he could still be a starter in this league:

“I think I’m good,” Elliott said. “My body felt really good last year. My body felt good all of last year. I got my physical. My PCL looks to be healed. So health wise, I think that I’m definitely better than when I left. I got the chance to start down the stretch last year. I felt comfortable in that role. I’m looking forward to doing what I need to do for this team.”

The 28-year-old spent one year with the New England Patriots, posting a career-worst 642 yards with three touchdowns. He also added 51 receptions for 313 yards and two scores.

Ezekiel Elliott has returned home. The running back has agreed to terms with the Cowboys for a new deal that will keep him with the Lone Star club for the upcoming campaign, adding more firepower to Dak Prescott’s offense.

Last offseason, the Cowboys decided to part ways with Zeke, who played the last campaign with the Patriots. However, he was eager to return to Dallas, and fans are loving this move by the team’s front office.

Fans react on social media to the Cowboys reuniting with Ezekiel Elliott

A year after parting ways with Ezekiel Elliott, the Cowboys have decided to bring him back for the 2024 season. Dallas was eager to hire a running back, and Zeke’s experience was the right answer for them.

The Cowboys offered Elliott a surprising 1-year, $3 million deal to play the upcoming campaign. Despite expectations, the team opted not to draft a running back this year, leading to anticipation that they would sign a player in free agency.

On social media, fans immediately reacted to the news. While some expressed high anticipation for this move, others voiced concerns, believing that the Cowboys are making a significant mistake by signing Elliott once again.

On the Cowboys’ official Reddit page, fans engaged in discussions about Zeke’s arrival. While some users defended him, citing his strong partnership with Dak Prescott in recent years, others expressed doubt, suggesting that he may not be the running back capable of leading them to success.

“No on longer in his prime, thus the cheap 1-year deal,” Reddit user @Dday22t posted. “But I suspect discount Zeke is still better than most RBs on Cowboys now.”

Did Dak Prescott say something about Ezekiel Elliott’s return?

NFL Media first reported the news about Ezekiel Elliott’s arrival to the Dallas Cowboys. The move surprised everyone, but surprisingly, it didn’t elicit any immediate reaction from Dak Prescott.

Neither on X, formerly known as Twitter, nor Instagram did the quarterback of the Cowboys react to the news about Zeke returning to Dallas. The move has not been made official yet by the team, and perhaps Dak will send a message to his once again teammate once the announcement is official.

Ezekiel Elliott’s tenure with the Cowboys didn’t end in the best way possible. After seven seasons with the team, they decided to release him this summer, sticking to Tony Pollard as starter.

After being released, Elliott started looking for a team interested in his services. The Patriots made him a very attractive offer, and he decided to continue his career playing for the six-time Super Bowl champions.

Ezekiel Elliott sends message to the Cowboys ahead of his return to Dallas

A lot of emotions will be present this weekend in the AT&T Stadium. Ezekiel Elliott, who was once regarded as the best player of the Cowboys, will return to Dallas, but now as rival of his former team.

Now, Zeke will be donning the Patriots jersey in his return to Dallas. When asked about his feelings regarding this unexpected return, Elliott disclosed that he won’t dwell on the past and instead focus on securing a win with his new team.

“I mean, I don’t have that much time to be too emotional,” Elliott said on a conference call with media in Dallas on Wednesday. “I’ve got to prepare for a game. I’ve got to go out and put my best foot forward. I mean, there are emotions. I may do a good job of kind of hiding them but there will be some emotions.“

During his tenure with the Cowboys, Elliott accumulated 8,262 rushing yards and scored 68 rushing touchdowns, ranking third in Cowboys history behind only Hall of Famers Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett.

Why did the Dallas Cowboys release Ezekiel Elliott?

Ezekiel Elliott’s contract was too expensive for the Dallas Cowboys, so they decided to part ways with him and give Tony Pollard an opportunity as starter.

Last year, Ezekiel Elliott was relegated to a backup role behind Tony Pollard. He spent seven seasons with the Cowboys, but his high salary was a huge problem for the team and that’s why they decided to part ways with him.

Earlier this year, Zeke became a free agent, trying to find a team interested in his services. After a positive visit with the Patriots, he received a contract offer to play the upcoming season for Bill Belichick’s team.

What jersey number has Ezekiel Elliott selected in the Patriots?

The Patriots will have a new running back for the 2023 season. Ezekiel Elliott has singed a one-year deal with New England, trying to prove that he’s still an elite player.

Zeke will live a new phase of his career, with a new number on his back. Elliott used the 21 during his time with the Cowboys, but that jersey is currently used by CB Adrian Phillips.

The three-time Pro Bowler joined the Patriots today for his first practice with the team. He used the number 15 on his jersey, which he used during his college days with Ohio State.

Earlier this year, the Cowboys decided it was time to part ways with one of their running backs. Dallas released Ezekiel Elliott in a highly surprising move by the NFC East team, but they immediately regretted their decision.

A few weeks later, it was revealed that the team was interested in re-signing Elliott for less money. However, he has turned down this option by joining another team for the upcoming campaign.

Ezekiel Elliott agrees terms with surprising AFC team to play the 2023 season

Ezekiel Elliott will play for his second NFL team this year. After being released by the Cowboys, the experienced running back started searching for a club interested in his services, and he has finally found one.

After a positive visit, the New England Patriots have agreed terms with Ezekiel Elliott for a one-year, $6 million contract. The AFC East team was interested in surrounding Mac Jones with more talent, and a top running back was their priority.

As of today, Rhaemondre Stevenson is the starting running back for the six-time Super Bowl champions. However, rumors suggest that the Patriots could still be interested in Dalvin Cook despite Zeke’s addition.

Zeke, 28, had an outstanding rookie season with 1,631 yards on 322 carries and 15 touchdowns. Although he has faced challenges in demonstrating his value in recent years, he will find a fresh opportunity in Boston this year.