How concern about 'insulting' ...

PHOENIX — In a nutshell, the party position is "never say never." "I wouldn't rule out any possibility," Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said on Monday.

"Wish him the best if he doesn't return," executive vice president Stephen Jones said hours later. "But nothing is ever ruled out around here."

On March 15, the Cowboys announced their first-round selection choice for 2016. Running back Ezekiel Elliott has yet to sign with another club two weeks later.

After his release, NFL talent analysts told Yahoo Sports that they fully anticipated teams to pursue Elliott, who powered a physical rushing style to 876 yards and 12 scores in 2022. Elliott's efficiency has declined over the course of his seven-year career, with his 3.8 yards per carry representing a decrease from his previous career average of 4.5 yards per carry, and even 4.2 in 2021.

Tony Pollard rode a 5.2-yard-per-carry campaign to 1,007 yards, nine scores, and Pro Bowl honors in 2022, changing Elliott's position as well. With Pollard slated to play in 2023 on a $10.1 million franchise tag, the Cowboys did not give Elliott a pay cut before releasing him, freeing up $10.9 million of the $16.7 million he was set to count against their wage limit.

The Cowboys felt that confronting that truth on a less personal level, through offers from other clubs, would enable Elliott to adjust to his new value.

"Sometimes it's best to let them get a feel for what the market is," Stephen Jones said, equating Elliott's release to those of Cowboys Hall of Famers Emmitt Smith and DeMarcus Ware in the past. "When you talk about great players — and that's what makes them great: They think a lot, not selfishly, but they see themselves as great players, and they are." It all boils down to how you make the business function. Unfortunately, it always comes down to that.

"When Emmitt moved to Arizona, there was no pleasure. When DeMarcus moved to Denver, there was no excitement. But if you glance up, there's still a lot of goodwill between DeMarcus and the Cowboys; you see him around the facility all the time. Emmitt Smith, you're always looking around the room.

"I think for the most part, we've dealt with these difficult situations in a positive way, and hopefully we're doing it in spades with Zeke because there's nothing but love and respect for Zeke Elliott."

On the field, head coach Mike McCarthy is concentrating on finding the finest allocation of touches that went to Elliott last season. In 2022, Pollard's 193 attempts will most likely be outnumbered by Elliott's 231 assaults. The Cowboys could select a running back with the 26th overall selection. They also hired veteran Ronald Jones as protection. "At the end of the day, in a perfect world," Stephen Jones said, "you'd find a big, physical back who can complement Tony."

That back's abilities may mirror those of Elliott, whom the Cowboys have long used. Even if the Cowboys say Elliott's comeback is a possibility, they will most likely replace the void with a younger, fresher, and less expensive star.