Cowboys fans shouldn't be fooled by latest Ezekiel Elliott news ahead of 2024 NFL Draft

Earlier this offseason, it was reported the Dallas Cowboys were interested in reuniting with former fourth overall pick of the franchise, Ezekiel Elliott. 

On Wednesday, that interest was evident as NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported the Cowboys had met with Elliott and his agent to talk, although no deal is done as of yet. 

Such a move would raise some eyebrows as Zeke was cut by the Cowboys in 2023 but circumstances would strongly suggest a reunion would come at a much cheaper price.

Ironically, Elliott is already on the books for the Cowboys as he'll account for $6 million in the salary cap in dead money after the front office designated him as a Post-June 1st cut last year. 

What does the news really mean for the Cowboys ahead of the NFL Draft?

Cowboys Nation shouldn't be fooled by the report, however: As of right now, it's highly likely the meeting between the two sides does little to change any plans the team has in store for their draft class.

The Cowboys have admitted they'll be looking at the position in the draft and with so little experience and upside on the RB room, it only makes sense for them to target one in Day 2 to get a legit starter. Jonathon Brooks has consistently been tied to Dallas, with ESPN's Adam Schefter indicating it'd be a surprise if the Texas Longhorn is available past the Cowboys' second round pick at 56th overall. 

Brooks is far from the only option, however, and the Cowboys will likely look at Trey Benson, Jaylen Wright, and Bucky Irving, among many others. 

It's more likely that the Cowboys' interest in Elliott hangs on whether or not they find a potential RB1 in the draft rather than the other way around. In other words, Zeke is likely more of a Plan B in case the Cowboys exit the draft without a legit RB1 option.

In which case, Zeke would likely be targeted to adopt a RB by committee approach in which his participation becomes similar to Rico Dowdle's, who is the projected starter as of today.