Jerry Jones, Stephen Jones address looming talks with running back Ezekiel Elliott, Tony Pollard

The Dallas Cowboys have some tough decisions coming up that could dramatically impact the running backs room. After parting ways with running backs coach Skip Peete, the Cowboys ownership must now consider whether to hold on to Ezekiel Elliott, Tony Pollard, or both.

Elliott still has another year left on his contract but with a $16.7 million cap hit coming in 2023 and his declined production in 2022, there’s some cost-benefit analysis to do. According to Stephen Jones, as long as the former first-rounder is open to working out the numbers in a restructure, he’ll be in Dallas next season.

“You always want Zeke … but do the numbers work?” Jones said on Wednesday. “You can’t define what Zeke does for our football team.”

If the Cowboys cut Elliott after June 1, they could add $10.9 million in cap space. The former Ohio State star has already told reporters after the season finale that he wants to stay with Dallas, even if that means a pay cut.

Elliott had his least productive season yet in his seven-year career. He had 876 yards on 231 carries in 15 games, averaging 3.8 yards per carry.

Cowboys hoping to lock in Tony Pollard

As for the team’s leading rusher in 2022, Tony Pollard becomes a free agent in March. The former Memphis standout could get a franchise tag for roughly $10 million, or work out a long-term deal.

Team owner Jerry Jones echoed Stephen’s sentiments on Wednesday at the Senior Bowl as well. They want Pollard in a Cowboys uniform next season.

“Obviously, we’re probably one of the top teams in the league already with what we pay running backs,” Jones said, via Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News. “We have to make sure how we pay attention to this and how we spread it out — and how we divide up the pie.

“We have to look at Zeke and obviously Tony [Pollard] is looking to make more money. So, we have to relook at the whole thing in terms of turning back and what that looks like.”

Pollard fractured his fibula and suffered a high ankle sprain in the divisional round of the playoffs. He’s already had surgery to repair his ankle and should be back on the field for training camp.

The league new year hits on March 15, at which point players can announce new deals with teams.