The Dallas Cowboys kept a low-profile during the NFL Draft and came away with an excellent class upon first review. The only criticism is that they didn’t draft a running back, but they moved quickly to strengthen the room, signing old friend Ezekiel Elliott to a one-year contract on Monday.

Elliott rejoining the Cowboys was essentially a foregone conclusion before the draft. The two sides met before round one on Thursday and team owner Jerry Jones was very complimentary (perhaps overly complimentary) of the 28-year-old throughout the showcase.

Not only that, but the local media dropped hints that foreshadowed Elliott rejoining Dallas shortly following the draft. It took all of 48 hours for that to happen. Elliott is back with the Cowboys on a one-year, $3 million contract with $2 million guaranteed, per the Fort Worth Start-Telegram

We know Jones is ecstatic to have Zeke back, but what about the RB himself? Well, his reaction on social media says it all.

👀

— Ezekiel Elliott (@EzekielElliott) April 29, 2024

It’s only one emoji, but it carries a ton of weight. It’s clear Elliott is pumped to be back where he belongs.

For Cowboys fans wondering if the team burned a bridge with Elliott by releasing him from his contract last March, that isn’t the case. Patrik Walker of the team’s official website reported early in free agency that the two sides remain close as far as their relationship and had kept in contact about a deal.

Later in the day after Zeke passed his physical and his contract became official, he posted another reaction that will fire up Cowboys fans.

RUN IT BACK

— Ezekiel Elliott (@EzekielElliott) April 29, 2024

Elliott isn’t the superstar he was in his prime, but he’s arguably the best running back on the current roster and will help the team find the end zone at the goal line, pick up punishing yards in short-yardage situations and in pass pro.

Fairytale endings seldom happen in professional sport, but it never sat right that Elliott’s Cowboys tenure ended the way it did. Releasing the two-time rushing champ was an obvious move to massage the salary cap, but his final play in Dallas made the move even more difficult to swallow.

You might recall Kellen Moore asking Elliott to play center on the final play of the Cowboys’ 2023 playoff loss to the 49ers and getting pancaked. Thankfully, that won’t be fans’ final memory of Zeke with a star on his helmet.

The former No. 4 overall pick is third on the Cowboys’ all-time rushing list and is one of the most iconic players to suit up for the franchise.