Ezekiel Elliott is no longer the star running back he was during his early days with the Dallas Cowboys, but he remains a dependable contributor who could boost plenty of NFL teams’ backfields. Where might the veteran RB ultimately end up in free agency?
Ezekiel Elliott Free Agency Landing Spots
Elliott has built up plenty of name recognition for his exploits, particularly those early in his time with the Cowboys.
The eight-year veteran of the NFL made his mark early and often with three Pro Bowl seasons across his first four years in the league, including 1,631 rushing yards for 15 touchdowns as a rookie in 2016, 2,001 all-purpose yards in 2018, and 1,357 rushing yards for 12 scores in 2019.
His production has tailed off a bit since then with just one season surpassing 1,000 rushing yards. He did run for 800 or more in his last three seasons in Dallas, however, before posting 642 rushing yards, 313 receiving yards, and five total touchdowns with a career-low 184 carries in a limited role with the New England Patriots this past year.
Elliott’s asking price will obviously be all-important in finding the right fit, but it certainly seems he still has in-demand skills.
Dallas Cowboys
Could the time be right for a reunion between Elliott and the Cowboys? It’s not long ago that his seven-year tenure with the franchise ended after seven years, largely due to financial implications, but there has been no indication of ill will between Elliott and the franchise.
Rumors are beginning to swirl around a potential return as Patrik Walker of the Cowboys team site said Wednesday he “wouldn’t rule out a possible reunion” between the franchise and Elliott. With Tony Pollard agreeing to sign with the Tennessee Titans in free agency, Dallas certainly has a need at the position and could at least partially fill it by bringing Elliott back.
Figuring out the financials could be the biggest hurdle with the Cowboys having little current salary cap space, but a reunion would certainly make some sense football-wise.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders immediately became a team to watch in the running back market after news broke that the longtime back agreed to sign with the Green Bay Packers. With many of the top running back options off the market, Elliott is among the best remaining options and could help Las Vegas fill the void at running back alongside promising young running back Zamir White.
Adding a dependable veteran presence to the running backs room could certainly make sense for the Raiders as Antonio Pierce goes into his first full season as head coach. Elliott is one player who could address that need adequately.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It’s no secret that the Buccaneers have struggled for much consistency in the run game across recent years and could use some help in that regard to take some weight off Baker Mayfield’s shoulders. Rachaad White was serviceable at running back, but Tampa Bay had no consistent options aside from him and would do well to add a dependable player alongside him in Elliott.
KEEP READING: 2024 Free Agents by Position
Whether the financial side of things makes sense remains to be seen, but Elliott would fill a significant need for the Bucs on the field.
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