It will almost be as if the holdout never happened.

Oh, but it did. The story dominated the preseason headlines. Insiders whispered that a deal was close, then far away, then close again. Articles abounded with terms like “rumors” and “whispers” and “sources close to.” All the while, Elliott decamped to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, with reporters in tow.

But an eventual deal was always likely. The Cowboys wanted and needed Elliott, though they halfheartedly tried to talk up the rookie fourth-round draft pick Tony Pollard as an alternative. Elliott knew that if he sat out a whole season his contract would just be pushed forward by a year and he would be no closer to free agency.

Holdouts in the N.F.L. often end with little change to the status quo. Like Elliott, Michael Thomas, a New Orleans Saints wide receiver, returned from a holdout this season after signing a record deal for his position. Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Yannick Ngakoue gave in and returned without a new contract.

But it doesn’t always end so neatly. The Houston Texans tired of waiting for defensive end Jadeveon Clowney and traded him to the Seahawks in a deal that was roundly criticized. Running back Melvin Gordon of the Los Angeles Chargers remains unsigned, and trade rumors have been flying. Washington Redskins left tackle Trent Williams will miss at least the first game of the season.

In 2018, linebacker Khalil Mack’s holdout prompted a September trade to the Chicago Bears from the Oakland Raiders. On other occasions, the expected last-minute deal has become a just-too-late deal. Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald missed the opener in 2017 (he held out again in 2018), and Seattle Seahawks safety Kam Chancellor missed two games in 2015.