Former Dallas Cowboys running back, Ezekiel Elliott, has officially signed with the Seattle Seahawks, joining the team on a promising deal following a challenging period. This move comes after Elliott’s attempt to “return home” to Dallas fell through, with negotiations for rejoining the Cowboys not coming to fruition.
Elliott, who made a name for himself as one of the league’s premier running backs with the Cowboys, was unable to rejoin Dallas after missing out on contract negotiations. Although talks were held, they did not progress, and Elliott chose to seek a new opportunity elsewhere.
After remaining a free agent into early 2026, Elliott quickly garnered interest from several teams, with the Seahawks being among the top contenders. Joining Seattle marks a crucial step in his career as he takes on a significant role in the team’s offensive system.
A “Return Home” That Didn’t Happen
Elliott, known for his powerful running style, vision between the tackles, and elite goal-line production, expressed his disappointment over not being able to return to Dallas, where he had a legendary impact over seven seasons. He shared that not being able to rejoin the Cowboys was a letdown, but he understands that in football, opportunities don’t always come in the way you hope.
“I’ve always wanted to come back to Dallas,” Elliott shared in an interview with ESPN. “But when that didn’t happen, I decided to open my eyes and look for a new opportunity. Seattle gave me a chance, and I’m excited for this new challenge.”
Signing with the Seahawks: Stability and Leadership
Joining the Seattle Seahawks is a big move for Elliott. He has signed a short-term contract with the team, where he will bring stability to the running back position, especially as the team faces a challenging season. This is especially important with running back Zach Charbonnet suffering a knee injury and being sidelined for the rest of the season. Elliott will play a key role in helping Seattle maintain their offensive power.
Elliott is not just a reliable player on the field but also brings leadership and energy to the Seahawks’ locker room. He was one of the top touchdown scorers in multiple seasons, leading the NFL in rushing touchdowns in 2016 and 2017. With an impressive career totaling 8,262 rushing yards, 68 rushing touchdowns (80 total touchdowns including receiving), he is expected to be an inspiration and an important contributor as the Seahawks continue their playoff journey.
Ezekiel Elliott’s Future
Although he couldn’t return to Dallas, Elliott remains optimistic about the future. “Everything happens for a reason,” he added. “My goal is to help Seattle win and contribute to the team throughout this season.”
For Seattle, Elliott brings not only stability but also an important piece to their long-term strategy. With his experience and leadership, the Seahawks hope to solidify their position in the playoffs and possibly go further in the 2026 season.
A New Chapter for the Former Cowboys RB
By joining Seattle, Ezekiel Elliott officially closes one chapter of his career and opens a new one with a promising team. Although he couldn’t return to Dallas, Elliott proves that his love for football and determination will continue to lead him to success, no matter where he plays.
Jeff Hafley walking for Dolphins gig is great news for Lions
Amidst a flurry of head coaching hires on Tuesday, including the Detroit Lions’ hiring of Drew Petzing for the offensive coordinator position, the Miami Dolphins made a move that will have a ripple effect on the NFC North.
On Tuesday, the Dolphins hired former Green Bay Packers Defensive Coordinator Jeff Hafley as their newest head coach, after firing former dream Lions’ OC candidate Mike McDaniel.
Hafley served as the Packers’ DC for the past two seasons, after four seasons as the head coach of Boston College. Hafley’s defense in Green Bay was a mixed bag. Between his first and second year, the Packers saw their takeaways drop by 17, and their rushing yards per game drop from 99.4 yards (7th) to 117.7 (18th).
The Packers’ defense got worse after the injury to All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons, which was the catalyst for a five-game losing streak to close out the season, including their playoff choke job against the Chicago Bears.
Hafley joins a Dolphins team looking to retool after a disappointing McDaniel era, which saw the franchise fail to win a playoff game in two appearances. The Dolphins will also be eying the QB market after its become clear the team will move on from former 2020 first-round draft pick Tua Tagovailoa. This is where Hafley’s hire being potentially great for the Lions begins to take shape.
Packers will lose more than just Hafley
Because Hafley will also be looking for a QB, Packers back-up, and impending free agent, Malik Willis would be a name to watch. Willis has impressed in his limited opportunities behind Jordan Love, boasting a 134.6 passer rating and 78.7% completion percentage across his 11 games and three starts. Willis also averages 6.2 rushing yards per attempt across 42 attempts.
Pulling Willis away from Green Bay at the very least takes away a very strong backup QB for a division rival, and at most takes away a potential starting QB option if the Packers ever grow skeptical about Love in that role.
And as a former member of the Packers’ coaching staff and a first-time NFL head coach, Hafley will need to fill out his own coaching staff and roster in his own image. Hafley will likely poach top and up-and-coming coaches from Matt LaFleur’s staff.
Between that and a DC opening that LaFleur will already have to fill, this move could further weaken the Packers’ coaching staff that’s already seen continued scrutiny after that playoff loss versus the Bears.
The NFC North will also be competing against the AFC East in the 2026 season. Hafley will have familiarity with the division, but no team more so than the Packers, giving his Dolphins an extra advantage.
Hafley’s hire mean Kelvin Sheppard stays in Detroit
For every coach hired, there’s a good handful who lost out on the job. For the Dolphins’ head coaching position, one of those candidates was Lions’ DC Kelvin Sheppard. Sheppard interviewed with the Dolphins shortly before the Dolphins hired Hafley.
We have completed an interview with Kelvin Sheppard for our head coach position. pic.twitter.com/BRdB4q3hmE
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) January 19, 2026
Sheppard had a rocky first season leading the Lions’ defense, although it could be argued that much of that wasn’t his fault. The Lions were swamped with injuries, including both of their elite safeties, Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch.
At the same time, Sheppard’s defense saw names like Al-Quadin Muhammad rise up and produce 11.0 sacks. His “Legion of Whom” defense also turned in masterful performances against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Philadelphia Eagles.
Speaking of the Eagles, Sheppard’s defense handled their infamous “tush push” well, which is one example of the general improvements made to defending mobile QBs compared to the Aaron Glenn era.
Injuries did catch up to the Sheppard and the Lions, as the waning weeks of the season saw the wheels come off. Between Weeks 12 and 16, the Lions gave up a staggering average of 458.6 yards per game.
Sheppard’s defense closed out strongly in comparison, averaging 215.5 against the Max Brosmer-led Minnesota Vikings and the division-winning Bears, stopping Caleb Williams from being the franchise’s first 4,000-yard passer.
Sheppard going to the Dolphins could’ve freed up the Lions to hire a top defensive mind like former head coach Jim Schwartz, but there’s still plenty to like about Sheppard, and he’s proven he deserves another shot with a fully healthy defense. The best coaching move the Lions made in the offseason may just be the one they didn’t have to make.