In a forgettable New England Patriots' season littered with 13 losses, the drastic decline of franchise quarterback Mac Jones, debilitating defensive injuries and the end of Bill Belichick's legendary run , Ezekiel Elliott was the best of the worst.
The Pats didn't do a lot right in 2023 - choosing JuJu Smith-Schuster over Jakobi Meyers comes to mind - but signing the former Dallas Cowboys' running back proved prudent. Inked to a one-year contract at the end of preseason, Elliott was one of the flickering lights of hope in an otherwise dark and dreary 18-week tunnel.
Despite his inspired play, Elliott will hit free agency next week and apparently will receive little or no interest from a Patriots' team bogged down by one of the worst offenses in franchise history last season.
Though widely rumored, Belichick didn't wind up coaching the Cowboys. And eight-time Pro Bowl left tackle Tyron Smith may have more urgent suitors in free agency (see: New York Jets). But Zeke in Foxboro was a former Cowboy that worked.
He arrived in shape, and stayed healthy. By all accounts he was a locker-room leader, including accepting a backup role to Rhamondre Stevenson (who missed the final five games with an injury). He was solid in pass protection.
And against defenses that scoffed at the Pats beating them through the air, Elliott managed 642 rushing yards and three touchdowns while playing in every game. He was tough and reliable in short-yardage and goal-to-go situations.
In all, he produced 955 yards and five touchdowns on 235 touches. His 51 catches led the team.
How tough was the sledding for Zeke? Because the Pats had neither the time nor targets to throw downfield, his almost unfathomable average catch came 1.2 yards behind the line of scrimmage. Almost half of his rushing yards (350) came after contact.
The Patriots seem to believe they are set with the return of a healthy Stevenson, backed up by 2022 sixth-round draft pick Kevin Harris, who showed glimpses of talent last season.
Elliott, who will be 29 before Week 1, doesn't have the burst that led him to two rushing titles in Dallas. But he proved last season he still has enough left in the tank to be a trusty veteran No. 2.
Just, not in New England?
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