Free agent running back Ezekiel Elliott and the Dallas Cowboys have mutual interest in working together, ESPN reported.

It’s understandable on both fronts. The Cowboys, after all, are in need of help in the backfield after letting running back Tony Pollard leave in free agency, while Elliott needs employment.

Dallas’ current running back room consists of Deuce Vaughn, Malik Davis, Snoop Conner and Hunter Luepke with Rico Dowdle an unrestricted free agent.

Elliott, who turns 29 on July 22, stepped up last season after New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson was sidelined with a high-ankle sprain. Elliott finished with a team-best 642 yards and three touchdowns to go along with 51 catches for 313 yards and two scores in 17 games (five starts) last season.

Elliott led the NFL in rushing in 2016 and 2018 and posted four 1,000-yard seasons with Dallas. The 2016 first-round pick (fourth overall) ranks third in Cowboys history in rushing yards (8,262) and rushing touchdowns (68) behind Hall of Famers Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett.

–Field Level Media