Running back Ezekiel Elliott will be wearing a blue jersey once again this season, but not the shade you are thinking. Elliott agreed to a one-year deal with the New England Patriots worth up to $6 million, according to Ian Rapoport.
Rapoport also reported that Elliott will wear his old college number 15 once again.
Ezekiel Elliott Takes His Talents to New England
Elliott only made one visit during free agency after being released from the Dallas Cowboys, and that visit was to New England.
1️⃣5️⃣
— Ezekiel Elliott (@EzekielElliott) August 14, 2023
After the visit, Elliott was spotted with quarterback Mac Jones at dinner. The two will now be teammates for the 2023 season.
Mac Jones and Ezekiel Elliott out in the Seaport tonight having dinner 👀 pic.twitter.com/iU1tMruRM4
— Babz (@BabzOnTheMic) July 30, 2023
How Elliott Will Be a Good Fit for the New England Patriots
This new deal made the most sense for both Elliott and the Patriots.
Although Elliott is coming off of a career-low season, don’t let that fool you. He can still be productive in the red zone and short-yardage situations and has top-notch physicality when blocking.
Dallas was first in the league in red-zone scoring percentage (71.43%) last season. Elliott scored 72 points for the Cowboys, had the most touchdowns (12) on the team, and had the second-most red-zone TDs in the NFL.
How will he favor the Patriots? Well, they were last in the league for red-zone scoring percentage (42.22%), and running back Rhamondre Stevenson only scored 32 points.
Elliott can work well in a running back room that takes the “1-2 punch” approach utilizing two running backs. This is where Elliott and Stevenson can come into play.
The biggest issue for Elliott is staying healthy, especially with the nagging knee injury that seemed to plague his time in Dallas. But he is the type of player who will still be physical even when he isn’t feeling his best.
Elliott can bring a strong sense of leadership to the Patriots’ young RB room, with Stevenson and J.J. Taylor being the oldest two barely entering their third season.
It is no secret that Elliott is a locker-room leader. Seeing his impact on the running back room throughout the season will be interesting.
Elliott’s Productive Offseason
Elliott has been seen in multiple videos during the offseason working out and looking to be in good shape.
Zeke Elliott training HARD 🔥💪🏾
(📸: J. Hicks) pic.twitter.com/cBOqDeBb9Q
— Sportskeeda Pro Football (@SKProFootball) July 6, 2023
Speed and agility don’t seem to be an issue for the 28-year-old.
He was even seen with Dak Prescott and some members of the Cowboys’ offense, working out and training in the “Dak Yard.”
And just in case you’re wondering, the Cowboys and Patriots will play Week 4 of the regular season at AT&T Stadium.
