No matter how tip top shape Ezekiel Elliott comes into a season, it is very apparent he is never going to be what he once was before he signed his massive deal. Elliott endured one of his worst seasons as a pro for the Cowboys in 2021. He still totaled 1,002 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, but he averaged a career-low 58.9 yards per game and just 4.2 yards per carry, the third-lowest mark of his career. He added 287 receiving yards and two TDs on 47 catches.

So what are the Cowboys to do? Release him?

Mike Fisher of SI.com believes the NFL’s highest-paid running back “almost certainly” will not return to the team in 2023 as his $90 million contract is currently constructed.

“Zeke is on the books in 2022 for $18 million. There is no realistic way to say goodbye to that … until spring 2023, at which time Dallas could (pre-June 1) absorb a $6 million dead-money hit or (post-June 1) walk away with no financial penalty,” Fisher wrote.