Stephen A. Smith on Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys reunion: ‘It touches my heart’

Ezekiel Elliott is heading back to a familiar place. The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly signing Elliott to a one-year deal to return to the franchise.

Elliott is returning to Dallas after spending a year with the Patriots.

ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith, who is not shy about how much he dislikes the Cowboys, reacted to the news Monday morning on ESPN First Take.

“I’m so touched. I mean it touches my heart,” Stephen A. Smith said of Elliott’s return. “I’m happy for Ezekiel Elliott, because I know he wanted to be back in Dallas. He didn’t want to leave there to begin with… so it’s good to see him back.”

Elliott previously spent seven years with the Cowboys before going to the New England Patriots.

While Smith is happy for Elliott that he is back in Dallas, he doesn’t expect him to perform at a high level. It’s not as if this suddenly makes the Cowboys Super Bowl contenders, according to Stephen A. Smith.

“It ain’t going to make much of a difference,” Smith said. “They didn’t win the title when he was there and they ain’t going to win one now. So it’s alright with me. … We’re happy for him, but it’s not like it’s a game-changing move.”

Ezekiel Elliott has been named an all-pro twice in his career — in 2016 and 2018. The former Ohio State star led the NFL in rushing both years. He has also been named to the Pro Bowl three times.

Ezekiel Elliott contract details revealed in second stint with Dallas Cowboys

After agreeing to terms to reunite with the Dallas Cowboys, the contract details for running back Ezekiel Elliott have been revealed. He is inking a deal for one year, $3 million, according to Fort Worth Star-Telegram‘s Clarence Hill. Of his $3 million deal, $2 million is guaranteed money.

He unites with the Cowboys after spending a single season with the New England Patriots. Elliott was set to have a physical on Monday morning, which was the final step of re-joining the team.

Elliott’s one-year deal with the Patriots expired in March. He played for $3 million, and he still counts for a $6 million dead cap hit for Dallas in 2024.

In 17 games played for New England last season, he rushed on a career-low 184 carries, posting 642 rushing yards, with three touchdowns. He also added 51 catches for 313 yards and two more scores.

The Cowboys’ running backs room now consists of Elliott, Rico Dowdle, Malik Davis, Royce Freeman, Deuce Vaughn, Hunter Luepke, Snoop Conner and Nathaniel Peat.