In what appears to be a comeback story for the franchise, Ezekiel Elliott is once again donning the Dallas Cowboys jersey, following a brief stint with the New England Patriots. The return of the 28-year-old running back to the team has been confirmed by NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Details from Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram suggest it's a one-year deal worth $3 million, with $2 million guaranteed.

As the wheels turn in the NFL, Elliott lands back in Dallas after spending the first seven seasons of his career with the team that first drafted him. The Cowboys cut Elliott loose after the 2022 season, and even with his successor, Tony Pollard, moving to the Tennessee Titans, it seems Jerry Jones couldn't resist bringing back the former rushing champion. According to NFL, Elliott is poised to rejoin the Cowboys' backfield, possibly cementing a role that was left slightly vacant, despite seeing a career-low performance of 642 rushing yards in his last year.

The reunion might evoke nostalgia, but let’s not get it twisted: Elliott is no spring chicken by football’s unforgiving standards. His production has undoubtedly seen better days. The Cowboys, having passed on fresh legs during the NFL Draft, are looking for that vestige of Zeke's potent red-zone threat and pass protection – a clear sign that they're banking on his experience as they didn't pursue a rookie running back. According to a statement obtained by KSAT, Elliott's addition to the roster comes as the team searches for a true number one option.

While the Cowboys shore up their ranks with familiar faces, the Atlanta Falcons made a draft choice that has set tongues wagging across the league. The picking of Michael Penix Jr. as No.8 overall seems to pin a countdown timer on Kirk Cousins' tenure with the team, despite recently inking a hefty contract worthy of a Scrooge McDuck dive. Yahoo Sports sources are closely aligned with the decision-making, particularly owner Arthur Blank, who was very much in the loop and not blindsided as some speculated. "We're excited you'll be a Falcon and look forward to the continued success of your incredible career. ... We appreciate you," Blank was seen telling Penix in the war room feed which was previously shrouded in mystery.

After the surprising draft pick, Cousins, whose career is now on a razor's edge in Atlanta, notwithstanding the $100 million guaranteed coming his way, Both money and a draft pick on a quarterback spell out the team's direction clearly, no matter how aggressive Cousins plays to keep his starting spot. Atlanta's dice roll on Penix is much like the succession plays seen in past quarterback handovers in the NFL, signaling perhaps a new era that's fast-approaching.