If the Green Bay Packers end up deciding that they need help at the outside linebacker position in the coming days, an old friend might be out there waiting for them. On Tuesday afternoon, news broke that the Dallas Cowboys waived former Packer Jayrone Elliott in order to make room for defensive end Damontre Moore, who is returning from a suspension.
Elliott was traded to Dallas in a surprise move on September 3rd, the day after final cuts. That move allowed the Packers to add edge rusher Chris Odom, whom they claimed on waivers after he was let loose by the Atlanta Falcons at the 53-man deadline.
The timing of Elliott’s release and the fact that he was not active for either of the Cowboys’ first two games means that the Packers will not receive the conditional seventh-round draft choice that they received from Dallas in exchange for Elliott. According to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, the terms of that condition involved Elliott being active for two games in order for the draft pick to be tr
Elliott will be subject to the waiver system, and it is possible that he may be claimed by another team — perhaps one running a 3-4 system similar to the Packers’. The Pittsburgh Steelers would be one possibility for a few reasons. First, Elliott had a free agent visit with Pittsburgh, who reportedly offered him a multi-year contract this spring before he ultimately returned to the Packers on a one-year deal. In addition, Steelers rookie T.J. Watt is dealing with a mild groin strain and his status is uncertain for Sunday’s against the Chicago Bears, leaving Pittsburgh a bit thin at that position.
The Packers, meanwhile, have a five-man group on the edge that has been a bit depleted since early in week one, when Ahmad Brooks suffered a concussion. However, the team faces significant injuries at other positions that appear to be more pressing on the overall depth (the offensive line and wide receiver units in particular). Still, if Elliott does not land with another team immediately and if the Packers end up having a need at the position in the coming weeks, it would make sense for them to give the fourth-year pro a call about a reunion.