Ezekiel Elliott took social media by storm on Monday, dropping several hints of his return. Zeke’s suggestions came to fruition as the New England Patriots announced they were signing the longtime Cowboy to a one-year, $6 million contract.
Even if he isn’t returning to Dallas, that didn’t stop a former teammate from chiming in. Micah Parsons is known for being a disruptive pass rusher on the football field and is never shy with his thoughts about his team or the opposition. Parsons took to social media to announce his excitement for Zeke’s return.
What Did Micah Parsons Say About Ezekiel Elliott’s Return?
Zeke going for 2k yards! https://t.co/mxhVNjlbXD
— Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11) August 14, 2023
2,000 yards rushing is a bold and unlikely prediction from the Cowboys pass rusher. Suffice it to say that social media has a few thoughts.
Some went as far as to suggest Zeke should play for the XFL.
In the XFL? https://t.co/e18T24ix5w pic.twitter.com/uT18ue62PS
— Quez (@QuezIsGodly) August 14, 2023
Some fans even suggested that Elliott is more likely to rush for 200 yards than 2,000.
and will only hit 200. and thats being nice https://t.co/y4QeRoVaPl
— BunBun 🦅 (@RealBunBun) August 14, 2023
Others on social media blamed Zeke for having a low yards-per-carry average.
On 1,000 carries https://t.co/6BHklDBNRX
— Jerome Butcher (@PimpinVanSmack) August 14, 2023
As always, the internet is undefeated, but why did Elliott leave Dallas, and what type of player are the Patriots getting?
Why Did Ezekiel Elliott Leave Dallas?
The Cowboys are the only team Elliott has ever known in the NFL. They drafted Zeke with the fourth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.
The Cowboys wanted to return to their glory days when Emmitt Smith was the bell-cow running back for many Super Bowl-winning teams. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones saw Zeke that way and drafted the Ohio State standout.
Elliott had a huge contract number, and Dallas made the right move to let him go this offseason. Many around the NFL thought they’d never see the day and that Jones would allow sentimentality to rule his decision-making process, but the Cowboys decided to let Zeke walk.
Many pointed to a possible reunion since the Cowboys didn’t bring in any additional high-priced veterans, but with the news that Zeke signed with New England, a return trip to Dallas is no longer in the cards.
What Type of Player Are the Patriots Getting in Zeke?
The Patriots have long valued a balanced offensive approach with a sustainable running game. With Mac Jones at the helm as the QB, New England needs balance in offensive coordinator Bill O’Briens’ system.
The Patriots lost Damien Harris in free agency and never filled the shoes of a bigger back to pair with current starter Rhamondre Stevenson. Stevenson was outstanding last season, operating as the bell-cow back in Harris’ absence, but the Patriots prioritized bringing in another big-bodied back, hence the Zeke signing.
Elliott has always had a nose for the end zone, which should take some goal-line carries away from Stevenson. Stevenson’s pure volume numbers will take a hit following this signing.
Zeke isn’t much of a pass catcher at this stage in his career, so Stevenson should remain the primary pass catcher out of the backfield. Despite his bigger size, Stevenson has shown a knack as a pass catcher during his time in New England.
It was difficult to imagine the Patriots giving all their running volume to one back, so Zeke’s signing isn’t a massive surprise. Elliott provides a solid depth piece for the Patriots and will likely see RB2 rushing duties, likely around eight carries per game.
Zeke has been a solid pass blocker over the years, so he could siphon some of the third-down work from Stevenson on plays where the RB is asked to stay in the formation to block.