BREAKING: The Dallas Cowboys Sign RB Boston Scott to Replace Ezekiel Elliott
In a surprising move, the Dallas Cowboys have signed running back Boston Scott, officially bringing him into the fold as a replacement for the recently departed Ezekiel Elliott. Scott, who has spent the majority of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles, will now look to make an impact in a new division and potentially fill the void left by Elliott’s departure after a notable run in Dallas.
A New Era for the Cowboys’ Backfield
With Ezekiel Elliott’s departure in the offseason, the Cowboys have been looking to reshape their backfield, and the signing of Boston Scott could be a key piece of the puzzle. While Scott has never been a feature back in the traditional sense, his versatility and ability to make plays in a variety of ways make him an intriguing option for head coach Mike McCarthy and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.
Scott, who is known for his speed and agility, has been a consistent contributor in the passing game, often utilized as a third-down back or in short-yardage situations. His shiftiness and quickness make him difficult for defenders to track, especially in space, and he could complement the more power-based running style of Tony Pollard, who is expected to take on the primary workload in the Cowboys’ backfield.
Scott’s Career So Far
Boston Scott’s NFL career began as an undrafted free agent with the New Orleans Saints before he was claimed off waivers by the Philadelphia Eagles. Over the years, Scott carved out a niche for himself, often serving as a change-of-pace back behind starters like Miles Sanders and, more recently, D’Andre Swift. Scott’s most memorable performances have come in high-leverage moments, including his role in the Eagles’ Super Bowl run and his continued success in the NFC East.
His ability to be a reliable contributor in both the running and passing game—particularly in the screen game—has made him a favorite in Philadelphia, and it’s this skill set that the Cowboys are hoping to tap into. In the 2023 season, Scott recorded over 400 all-purpose yards and scored several key touchdowns, underscoring his ability to produce in crucial moments.
Filling the Void Left by Elliott
While Boston Scott is a very different back from Ezekiel Elliott, his arrival signals a shift in how the Cowboys might approach the running back position. Elliott, a former No. 4 overall pick and one of the NFL’s premier running backs for several years, was known for his bruising style and ability to carry a heavy workload. However, Elliott’s effectiveness declined in recent seasons, and the Cowboys ultimately decided to move on from him in favor of a more dynamic and balanced approach.
Tony Pollard, who is expected to be the lead back in Dallas, brings explosiveness and big-play potential, and the addition of Scott gives the Cowboys another dimension. Scott’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield could give Dak Prescott a reliable safety valve, and his experience in the NFC East could prove invaluable in divisional games.
What This Means for the Cowboys
The signing of Boston Scott signals that the Cowboys are committed to diversifying their offensive approach in 2024. With a dynamic quarterback in Dak Prescott, an elite wide receiver in CeeDee Lamb, and a talented offensive line, the Cowboys are positioning themselves to have a potent offense, with Scott providing depth and versatility at the running back position.
While it’s unlikely that Scott will replicate Elliott’s production as a feature back, his unique skill set could allow the Cowboys to adopt a more committee-based approach to the running game, relying on the strengths of multiple backs. Whether it’s in the red zone, on third downs, or as a change-of-pace option, Boston Scott brings a different flavor to the Cowboys’ offense.
Conclusion
The Dallas Cowboys’ decision to sign Boston Scott is a bold move in the wake of Ezekiel Elliott’s departure. Scott’s ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game, especially as a pass-catching back, gives the Cowboys a versatile weapon they can use in a variety of ways. While he won’t replace Elliott’s power running directly, Scott’s agility and playmaking ability provide a fresh look for a Dallas team looking to remain competitive in the NFC East and beyond. Time will tell how he fits into the Cowboys’ offensive scheme, but for now, the addition of Scott signals a new chapter in the Cowboys’ backfield.