Ezekiel Elliott To Sign With Patriots
Former Cowboys star running back Ezekiel Elliott is expected to sign with the New England Patriots, per NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero. The deal is one year worth up to $6 million.
Elliott seems excited about the move, and will wear No. 15 from his Ohio State days. The 28-year-old visited the Patriots earlier this month and it turned out to be a successful one.
Elliott will add needed depth to a backfield that features just a solid back in Rhamondre Stevenson. Pierre Strong and Kevin Harris performed poorly in New England’s preseason opener against the Houston Texans.
The duo rushed for 31 yards on 14 attempts for an abysmal 2.3 yards per carry and no touchdowns. In fact, quarterback Malik Cunningham outperformed both running backs, rushing for 34 yards on five carries and a touchdown.
Last season, Elliott rushed for 876 yards and 12 touchdowns, to go along with 92 receiving yards and four touchdowns. The numbers sound solid, but Elliott averaged 3.8 yards per carry in 2022, the worst of his career.
He was outperformed by the younger Tony Pollard, who eclipsed 1,000 yards rushing and nine touchdowns. Pollard also added 371 receiving yards and three touchdowns, and earned his first Pro Bowl nod.
Even in a down year though, Elliott posted 12 touchdowns. Belichick can give those short-yardage attempts to Zeke and he usually finds a way to get the job done. Elliott is also a great pass-blocking back, something the Patriots will surely take advantage of and value deeply.
What do you think about the acquisition? Let us know in the comments below!
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