Patriots HC had been eyeing longtime Cowboys RB for years

Per StatMuse, Zeke only played two games against New England during his days with the Dallas Cowboys, once in 2019 and once in 2021. Despite being kept out of the endzone in both contests, Elliott went over 100 yards from scrimmage in both contests.

The three-time Pro Bowler finished with 86 rushing yards on 21 carries and four receptions for 40 yards on four targets during the Cowboys' 13-9 loss in Week 12 of the 2019 campaign. Elliott went for 69 rushing yards on 17 carries, as well as seven catches for 50 yards on nine targets during Dallas' 35-29 victory in Week 6 of the 2021 season.

It was reported on Monday that the one-time First Team All-Pro would be signing a one-year deal with the Patriots. Elliott is expected to backup 25-year-old Rhamondre Stevenson, who broke out last season with the sixth-most touches (279) by a New England player in a single season since Belichick took over in 2000 and led the team in rushing attempts (210) and rushing yards (1,040), while pacing the Patriots with his five rushing scores as well.

Stevenson was a dual threat out of the backfield, hauling in a team high 69 receptions while pacing the squad in targets (88) too.

With limited running back depth prior to the addition of Elliott, New England had been monitoring Stevenson's workload during training camp.

The 28-year-old Elliott finished last season with career lows in rushing attempts (231), rushing yards (876), yards per carry (3.8), targets (23), receptions (17) and receiving yards (92) across 15 games, while failing to record a receiving touchdown for the first time in his seven NFL seasons.