Ezekiel Elliott, Dalvin Cook's Best Landing Spots After 2024 NFL Draft

Two of the game's most productive running backs over the last decade are still without NFL homes in Ezekiel Elliott and Dalvin Cook.

Both veterans are past their primes, although they are still looking to extend their careers and could certainly find new places to play this offseason.

The 28-year-old Elliott figures to have the best chance at finding a new team (and carving out some meaningful playing time). The three-time Pro Bowler and two-time NFL rushing leader's efficiency has gone down (career-low 3.5 YPC), but he's still a productive workhorse who's always available. Last season, he led the New England Patriots with 955 total yards on 235 touches. Finding a role as a true RB1 might be tough, but he can be a valuable member of a committee for sure.

Cook may have more trouble finding a home and might be best served hoping to latch onto a team for training camp or accepting a role on a practice squad when the season starts. The ex-Minnesota Vikings was great not long ago, amassing 6,423 yards and 46 touchdowns from 2019-2022 (all Pro Bowl seasons). However, he really struggled in 2023 with the New York Jets (214 yards on 67 carries for 3.2 YPC). Perhaps a change of scenery does him well, though.

With the NFL draft now complete, here's a look at three spots apiece that might make sense for both players.

Dallas Cowboys

Elliott played for the Cowboys from 2016-2022 before being released and eventually latching on with the New England Patriots. By all accounts, it appears that Elliott could be nearing a reunion with Dallas soon.

Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News reported that a contract between Elliott and Dallas is "increasingly imminent."

And Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told reporters that Dallas is "keenly interested in seeing what the future might look like with Zeke."

"I know this, I saw as recent as the end of the year, I saw Zeke play," Jones stated. "And I will tell you he's good enough to be a starter."

The Cowboys lost Tony Pollard in free agency to the Tennessee Titans and didn't pick up any new running backs in the draft. They did add Royce Freeman in free agency, but the team could use a new RB1. By all accounts, that's looking like Elliott.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Rachaad White is the clear RB1 in Tampa Bay, and Bucky Irving looks like the top backup now after going in the fourth round of this year's draft to the Bucs. But Tampa Bay could use some more help. Chase Edmonds (49 carries, 176 yards) and Sean Tucker (15 carries, 23 yards last year) sat behind White last year. Elliott likely provides an upgrade at the position over both backs and could basically be a co-backup with Irving, a smaller and shiftier back who offers a change-of-pace from White.

Indianapolis Colts

Jonathan Taylor is the clear RB1, but there's no surefire answer at backup right now after Zack Moss left in free agency for the Cincinnati Bengals. Evan Hull could be the guy, but he missed all of last year after suffering a meniscus injury in the Week 1 opener. It could very well be former Iowa star Tyler Goodson, who impressed in limited action (19 touches, 87 yards), and Trey Sermon also rushed for 4.6 yards per carry. It's a crowded room, but Elliott, who isn't as efficient as in years past but remains a workhorse, could be the best answer for RB2 if he joins Indianapolis.

Baltimore Ravens

After being released from the New York Jets late last season, Cook latched on with the Baltimore Ravens to strengthen the depth chart. He got some work late in the Ravens' 34-10 AFC Divisional Round win over the Houston Texans, rushing for 23 yards on eight carries.

Cook is no longer with the team, obviously, but maybe the Ravens could run it back with a training camp deal.

Baltimore's running back room is loaded now with Derrick Henry leading the way, Keaton Mitchell and Justice Hill as backups and Rasheen Ali now aboard as rookies. So that'll be a tough room for Cook to crack, but he could find a home on the practice squad and get a call-up if the Ravens encounter injuries.

Tennessee Titans

It's not entirely clear who RB3 will be in Tennessee right now after new starter Tony Pollard and RB2 Tyjae Spears, who will be getting plenty of work himself.

It might be former Michigan star Hassan Haskins, but he landed on injured reserve in Aug. 2023 and ended up missing the entire year. Haskins rushed for 93 yards on 25 carries during his 2022 rookie season.

The Titans didn't pick anyone up in the draft, so maybe there's room for competition after the Pollard/Spears duo. With Elliott looking like a Cowboy, there isn't a ton of running back talent left on free agency. Cook could conceivably see a home in Nashville.

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons have a superstar running back in Bijan Robinson and a great backup in Tyler Allgeier, but's not entirely clear who will be RB3 just yet.

It could be Avery Williams, who is back after suffering a torn ACL that cost him all of 2023. He did well in his rookie year (2022), compiling 170 yards from scrimmage (109 rushing; 61 receiving) on 35 touches. He also returned kicks and punts.

Or perhaps it's Jase McClellan, a rookie sixth-round pick out of Alabama, who rushed for 5.6 yards per carry in his four years in school.

Regardless, there seems to be an opening for the RB3 gig. Adding Cook could help create some more competition for the role and add an option for the Falcons to consider.