In a surprising twist, the Dallas Cowboys have announced that star running back Ezekiel Elliott will be reverting back to his iconic No. 21 jersey for the upcoming 2024 NFL season. This decision has raised speculation among fans about the fate of cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who currently wears the No. 21 jersey for the Cowboys.

Elliott's return to the No. 21 jersey marks a significant shift for the Cowboys, as he briefly donned the No. 15 jersey during his time with the New England Patriots. With his physical passed and a one-year, $2 million contract officially signed, Elliott is set to once again lead the charge from atop the running back depth chart for the Cowboys.

Fans and analysts alike have praised the move to retain Elliott, considering his consistent presence on the field, his role as a leader in the locker room, and his willingness to do the hard work on the gridiron. Despite the criticism of his hefty $90 million contract, the new terms of his deal at $2 million with $3 million guaranteed have left many supporters pleased.

With Elliott back in the fold, the Cowboys now turn their attention to addressing other areas of need on their roster. One possible addition is another running back, with the team potentially looking for a speedster to bolster their backfield. Additionally, there is a requirement for another nose tackle, and fans wouldn't be opposed to a reunion with Gilmore, who had previously played for the Cowboys.

However, the likelihood of a Gilmore reunion seems uncertain following the announcement of Elliott reclaiming the No. 21 jersey. When Gilmore took on the number last season, speculation surrounded the potential re-signing of Elliott, but it quickly became apparent that his return was not in the cards. Now, with all other jersey numbers that Gilmore has worn currently occupied by other Cowboys players, it appears that his time with the team may have come to an end.

Despite Gilmore's impressive career, including being named the Defensive Player of the Year, teams may hesitate to make a move for the cornerback due to his age-34 season approaching. His value on the market and the length of contract being offered will likely play a part in determining his next destination.

While anything is possible in the ever-changing landscape of the NFL, Elliott's reclamation of his iconic No. 21 jersey strongly suggests Gilmore's departure from the Cowboys in the upcoming 2024 season. As fans await further announcements and developments, it remains to be seen where Gilmore will continue his career and what the future holds for both him and the Dallas Cowboys.