The first major domino on the veteran running back market has fallen. Ezekiel Elliott is expected to sign with the Patriots on a one-year deal with a maximum value of $6M, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
For some time now, New England has seemed to be the most logical destination for the former rushing champion. Elliott’s only official visit was with the Patriots, though the team has also shown interest in other veteran backs. The parties will now enter into an agreement as he looks to rebuild his value in a backup role.
The Patriots were connected for a stretch with Dalvin Cook, but finances led them to turn their attention to Elliott. Still, the team was believed to have a firm price point in mind which it was not prepared to exceed in a buyer’s market at the RB position.
The same reportedly held true for other interested parties. Aside from Elliott, New England also kicked the tires on Leonard Fournette and Darrell Henderson; the latter two will need to look elsewhere for an opportunity given Monday’s news.
Elliott saw his seven-year Cowboys tenure come to an expected end when he was released in a cost-shedding move. A return to Dallas to serve as a low-cost compliment to Tony Pollard remained a possibility to varying degrees during the offseason.
The most recent update on that front, though, indicated a reunion was unlikely. Elliott, 28, will now join a new NFL team for the first time in his career.
The Patriots saw 2021 fourth-rounder Rhamondre Stevenson emerge as a capable lead back last season. He recorded 1,461 scrimmage yards and six total touchdowns, figures he will aim to replicate in 2023.
The team was thin on experience behind Stevenson, though, and Elliott will provide a boost in that regard. The latter averaged a career-low 3.8 yards per carry last season as he was used increasingly as a short-yardage specialist. Doing so in New England could make him an effective secondary option in the ground game, though he also has considerable starting experience should Stevenson miss time.
Improvements through the air are expected for New England with quarterback Mac Jones entering his third year, new offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien in place and a number of alterations having been made to the pass-catching corps.
Production in the running game will still be a crucial element of the team’s ability to return to the postseason, however, and Elliott will have a role in that regard. Succeeding in it will help his new team along with his free agent value come next offseason.
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