‘Poor’… Chris Simms blasts Dallas Cowboys move, can’t believe depth chart

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Jerry Jones has had to resort to picking Ezekiel Elliott as his starting running back and it has not gone down well with Chris Simms.

This week, the Dallas Cowboys confirmed that they will be reunited with their former rusher Ezekiel Elliott from free agency.

In his lone season with New England, the 28-year-old registered 642 yards, at 3.5 yards per carry, alongside a career-low three touchdowns.

Elliott was used as a bulldozing running back in New England

However, his position with the New England Patriots had been transferred to a short-yardage and goal-to-go back.

Rhamondre Stevenson was the Patriots starting rusher but his injury in Week 13 forced the franchise to promote Elliott.

Conversations had taken place before the NFL Draft with Elliott but nothing was agreed to.

Speculation had surfaced that the front office would sign the three-time Pro Bowler and pair him with a rookie.

Jerry Jones misses with Brooks and pivots to Elliott on a one-year deal

Yet, Jerry Jones missed out on his favorite rookie target Jonathon Brooks after the Carolina Panthers traded up.

The 81-year-old owner decided to not pursue a rookie rusher as he had higher-graded prospects that were available.

‘Big Zeke’ has put pen to paper on a one-year deal with a maximum value of $3 million.

Nonetheless, the debate about whether Elliott will be the starter for the 2024 season can be squashed.

Within his new contract, one of his bonus incentives is to reach 1,100 yards in conjunction with securing playoffs.

For Elliott to have the chance of reaching that number, he would have to be the starter.

This move has tapped into fans’ nostalgia and the former two-time NFL rushing leader has said ‘legacy’ was a key motivator to return.

Chris Simms slams the Cowboys’ decision to bring back Elliott as a solution

The free agency deal was not met with a green light by Pro Football Talk host Chris Simms.

“Whose gonna start in Dallas, is it really Ezekiel Elliott? Is that how poor we [Cowboys] are at the position that Ezekiel Elliott is going to start at the position of running back?”, Simms said when asked about Elliott’s return.

Simms then explained: “It’s hard for me to sit here and go I’m excited about Zek Elliott being the starting running back for the Dallas Cowboys.”

The move has been met with tension from segments of the fan base because they understand that the player they once knew is no more.

Ultimately, Elliott will be an excellent locker-room character who understands what it means to be a Cowboy.

The front office will still hope there is juice in his legs, as Dak Prescott needs a complementary running game to alleviate some pressure.