How signing three-time Pro Bowl RB Ezekiel Elliott benefits Patriots offense

Newly signed running back Ezekiel Elliott will give the Patriots the offensive spark they need.

On the surface, inking Elliott to a one-year, $6M deal seems like an odd choice for New England considering it already has a strong RB1 in Rhamondre Stevenson, who rushed for 1,040 yards on 210 carries in 17 games last season.

However, Elliott excels in areas where Stevenson struggles. Per The Athletic's Chad Graff, Stevenson ranked 25th in the percentage of his runs that went for zero or negative yards (among backs with 100 attempts) and fumbled four times. Elliott finished fifth in the percentage of rushes that went for zero or negative yards and registered no fumbles in 15 games last season.

The three-time Pro Bowler lost some of his big-play ability in his final season with Dallas, averaging a career-low 3.8 yards per carry. Yet he scored 12 rushing TDs, which tied for fifth in the league. Eight of his 12 TDs were from inside the 3-yard line, via Graff.

The Patriots could use Elliott's ability to capitalize in the red zone. In 2022, they finished 17th in points scored and 23rd in percentage (32.8) of drives that ended in an offensive score, per Pro Football Reference.

The addition of the 28-year-old benefits New England quarterback Mac Jones, too. The third-year QB needs more options in the passing game after he finished 18th in passing yards (2,997 in 14 games) last season. He can count on Elliott because he's logged the sixth-most receptions (305) among RBs since entering the league in 2016.

While the move won't make the Patriots surefire Super Bowl contenders, adding a solid playmaker improves their hapless offense, and it could make their backfield one of the best in the league.