The Dallas Cowboys and free-agent running back Ezekiel Elliott are reportedly considering a reunion this offseason.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Elliott and the Cowboys have "mutual interest" in each other, although a deal hasn't yet been reached.

Elliott, 28, spent his first seven NFL seasons in Dallas before signing a one-year deal and playing for the New England Patriots last season.

Initially selected by Dallas with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft out of Ohio State, Elliott established himself as one of the best running backs in franchise history.

Zeke was a three-time Pro Bowler and one-time first-team All-Pro during his time with the Cowboys, and in 103 regular-season games with the team, he racked up 8,262 rushing yards and 68 rushing touchdowns, which both rank third on the all-time franchise list.

Over his first six seasons, Elliott never finished with fewer than 979 rushing yards, but in 2022, he struggled to the tune of 876 yards and a 3.8 yards-per-carry average, both of which were career lows, although he did rush for 12 touchdowns.

Elliott was essentially supplanted by Tony Pollard, who rushed for 1,007 yards and nine touchdowns, while averaging 5.2 yards per tote.

Dallas released Elliott after the 2022 season, and he signed a one-year deal with the Pats to form a one-two punch with Rhamondre Stevenson.

Stevenson missed five games due to injury, which contributed to Elliott leading the Patriots in rushing yards with 642. Still, that was a career low for Elliott, as were his three rushing touchdowns and 3.5 yards per carry.

Elliott was highly effective in the passing game, though, leading New England with 51 receptions and finishing with 313 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.

Pollard was somewhat disappointing in 2023, which was his first season as the unquestioned No. 1 running back for Dallas. He rushed for 1,005 yards, but scored only six rushing touchdowns and saw his yards-per-carry average dip significantly to 4.0.

Despite his down season, Pollard cashed in by signing a three-year, $21 million contract with the Tennessee Titans in free agency.

That leaves the Cowboys with a gaping hole in their backfield, as Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, Malik Davis and Snoop Conner are the only running backs on the roster.

Dowdle played well when given the opportunity last season, rushing for a career-high 361 yards and two touchdowns, but he has yet to prove he can be a No. 1 running back in the NFL.

Vaughn had just 80 yards from scrimmage last season as a rookie, while neither Davis nor Conner recorded stats.

The Cowboys seem likely to take a running back in the 2024 NFL draft, and perhaps do so early, but Elliott would give them the veteran presence they currently lack.