The NFL offseason is a crucible of speculation, negotiations, and the tantalizing possibility of star players finding new homes. Few sagas have captured the league’s collective attention quite like that of Ezekiel Elliott, the dynamic former Dallas Cowboys running back, whose future uniform has been a subject of intense debate and anticipation. As the free agency landscape continues to shift, one projection in particular has set the sports world abuzz: a potential one-year, $5 million deal with the New England Patriots, bringing the veteran rusher under the tutelage of legendary head coach Bill Belichick.
This compelling scenario was first brought to light by CBS Sports’ insightful matchmaker, Cody Benjamin, who meticulously paired running backs facing uncertain futures with their most promising potential landing spots. Benjamin’s analysis, shared on June 19, 2023, highlighted a clear need within the Patriots’ ranks. He pointed out that while New England possesses a formidable talent in young Rhamondre Stevenson, the surprising release of James Robinson left a palpable void that demanded a seasoned presence.
Benjamin articulated the rationale with precision, noting, “New England has young Rhamondre Stevenson as a potential offensive focal point, but after cutting the injury-riddled James Robinson before he could even make his Patriots debut, they could use proven insurance.” This underscores the Patriots’ calculated approach to roster construction, prioritizing reliable depth and experience. Elliott, though perhaps past his peak as an every-down back, offers a versatile skill set that aligns perfectly with Belichick’s strategic demands.
“Elliott may be past his full-time days, but as a pass blocker and short-term rotational piece, he’d fit right into a typically crowded Bill Belichick backfield,” Benjamin emphasized. This paints a vivid picture of Elliott’s potential role: not necessarily a workhorse, but a crucial complementary piece who can excel in specific situations. His prowess as a pass blocker is particularly valuable, offering an added layer of protection for the Patriots’ offense.
Indeed, New England’s running back depth chart, following Robinson’s unexpected departure, presented a clear opportunity. Elliott’s ability to serve as an effective complement to Stevenson, especially in critical short-yardage situations, would provide a significant boost to the Patriots’ ground game. Furthermore, for Elliott, who has yet to experience the pinnacle of NFL success by playing in a Super Bowl, joining a perennial contender like the Patriots would offer an invaluable chance to chase that elusive championship.
The narrative surrounding Elliott’s free agency, however, began much earlier with his high-profile release from the Dallas Cowboys in March. This decision was primarily driven by the substantial $90 million contract he had, which was originally slated to run through 2026. Despite the separation, the Cowboys, notably owner Jerry Jones, maintained a public stance of keeping the door open for a potential reunion.
Speaking at a media session on June 5, Jones expressed his philosophy on roster flexibility, stating, “There’s an active free agent market relative to some pretty talented people out there. We want to keep a close eye on that. I never shut the door — never — relative to the potential to smartly add to our team for this year.” He further emphasized his immediate focus, adding, “I emphasize that, for this year. Mainly, I would tell you that 99% of my thinking is about this year.”
Yet, despite Jones’s public remarks, a healthy dose of skepticism pervaded among team insiders regarding the true genuineness of these comments. The financial implications of Elliott’s previous deal were significant, and the pragmatism of NFL business often outweighs sentimentality. This lingering doubt from within the Cowboys’ own circle highlighted the complexities of Elliott’s market.
Beyond the Patriots, other prominent franchises were also linked to Elliott throughout the offseason, reflecting the widespread interest in a player of his caliber. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Los Angeles Chargers, in particular, emerged as potential suitors, largely due to their recent coaching hires. Both teams had brought in former Cowboys assistant coaches, a factor often seen as a significant draw for ex-players.
Los Angeles had added Kellen Moore, Elliott’s former offensive coordinator, while Tampa Bay had inked Skip Peete, his former running backs coach. These connections suggested a familiarity and comfort level that could facilitate a smooth transition for Elliott into a new system. However, the financial aspect remained a critical hurdle, as articulated by Peete himself.
During a May 10 press conference, Peete candidly remarked on the challenge of Elliott accepting a significant pay cut. “I think he would be good in any situation, I’m just not sure exactly how the dynamic of explaining to him that, like I told him, I said, ‘You’re gonna play for a million dollars,’” Peete stated, underscoring the stark reality of the market. He contrasted this with Elliott’s previous earnings, noting, “And I think he was making like [$12 million].”
Peete’s assessment offered a clear-eyed perspective on the economics of a veteran running back’s career. “Who’s gonna be the one to tell him that? I think that’s part of the reason he’s sitting out there, but if you’re going to play and you’re going to be the second or third guy, that’s kind of what the price is. So, that’s something that that person has to be able to make a decision on if that’s what they want to do.” This sheds light on the personal and financial decisions Elliott faced in seeking his next opportunity.
Elliott’s journey to this point is a compelling narrative of a meteoric rise and the inevitable challenges that follow a superstar’s prime. A St. Louis native and an all-time great Buckeyes player, he burst onto the NFL scene in 2016 after being drafted by Dallas. He quickly established himself as an NFL superstar, dazzling fans with his powerful running style and consistent production. He was selected to play in three Pro Bowls, a testament to his dominance during his early career.
However, after securing a massive contract, his on-field performance experienced a noticeable dip each subsequent year. The 2022 season saw him share the backfield spotlight with the emerging Tony Pollard, whose exceptional play made it clear he was destined to be the next star at the position. Despite a diminished role and battling injuries, Elliott still managed a respectable 876 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2022, showcasing his enduring ability to find the end zone.
Over his seven seasons with the Cowboys, Elliott amassed an impressive career stat line: 1,881 carries for 8,262 yards, 305 catches for 2,336 yards, and a remarkable 80 touchdowns. These numbers firmly cement his place in Cowboys history and highlight the immense impact he had on the franchise for nearly a decade. Even as his role shifted, his presence and power were undeniable.
While the initial buzz around Elliott’s 2023 destination heavily centered on the Patriots, the dynamic nature of NFL free agency continued to unfold, leading to fascinating developments beyond the initial projections. The journey for Elliott, a true competitor, did not end with the speculative Patriots deal. His unwavering determination to continue his career as a running back has been truly inspiring to witness.
Fast forward to more recent times, and we find that Elliott has indeed taken significant steps toward revitalizing his career. In a noteworthy development, an AFC team has provided him with an opportunity to rebuild his physical condition, a testament to his work ethic and the belief that he still possesses elite capabilities. This decision underscores the commitment to returning to his top form.
Specifically, according to Ian Rapoport, the Los Angeles Chargers signed Elliott to their practice squad, offering him a crucial chance to regain his natural speed and explosiveness as a running back. This strategic move by the Chargers aims to assess his potential contribution for the playoffs, indicating their belief in his ability to make an impact when it matters most. It’s a remarkable turn for a player of his past stature.
His last season with the Cowboys, prior to these recent developments, was indeed a challenging one, marked by a significant reduction in his role. He managed only 2 touchdowns and 226 rushing yards on 74 attempts, starting just two games. This period marked the second time since 2023 that he was no longer the undisputed starter in Dallas’ running back room, signaling a definitive shift in the team’s offensive philosophy.
The Chargers, with their strong running strategy, appear to be an ideal fit for Elliott’s talents. By the end of the 2024 regular season, they had amassed an impressive 1,882 rushing yards with 17 touchdowns—just six fewer than their passing touchdowns—a clear indicator of how heavily they rely on their running backs. This commitment to the ground game provides a fertile environment for Elliott to contribute meaningfully.
Moreover, Elliott could be instrumental in filling a critical void left by a key player. One of the Chargers’ pivotal running backs, Gus Edwards, had been sidelined with an injury for a few weeks, having recorded 4 touchdowns and 365 rushing yards before his absence. The team recognizes that navigating the playoffs and the upcoming NFL season without him could be challenging, making Elliott’s addition potentially invaluable.
Elliott’s experience in the postseason, while relatively limited, is still a valuable asset. He has started six playoff games, with his first appearance dating back to 2016 and his most recent in 2022. His best playoff performance came during the 2018 season, when he notched his only two postseason touchdowns and posted 184 rushing yards in just two games with the Cowboys, demonstrating his ability to rise to the occasion.
Looking beyond immediate needs, several other teams have been identified as potential long-term fits for Elliott, showcasing his versatility and value as a veteran presence. The Baltimore Ravens, for instance, are actively looking to enhance their ground game behind the powerful Derrick Henry. Despite having Keaton Mitchell back and Justice Hill’s efficiency as a dump-off runner, depth chart questions remain.
Behind a formidable Ravens offensive line, Elliott, even if not at his rookie peak, could find room to be a reliable chain-mover, contributing significantly in short-yardage and goal-line situations. His powerful running style could perfectly complement the existing backfield, providing another layer of physicality to an already potent offense.
The Kansas City Chiefs also present a compelling case. With Isiah Pacheco missing significant time during the 2024 campaign and veteran Kareem Hunt showing signs of slowing down, the team could benefit immensely from Elliott’s presence. While Pacheco aims to stay fresh for the postseason, signing Elliott could relieve the immense stress on Hunt, creating a monstrous three-runner front that would be a living nightmare for opposing defenses.
Meanwhile, under head coach Jim Harbaugh, the Los Angeles Chargers, despite prioritizing the passing game for much of the season, are still keen on establishing a robust running game for Justin Herbert. With J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards battling injuries, a seasoned player like Elliott could step in admirably. He might not start over these backfield pieces, but he provides another reliable weapon for Herbert, especially in red-zone scenarios.
Even the Houston Texans, who have shown a willingness to aggressively improve their offensive roster, could be a fitting destination. While Joe Mixon has been a solid addition, his performance has been described as mediocre for the rest of the season. Adding a veteran like Elliott ahead of Dameon Pierce and Dare Ogunbowale could offer the team valuable depth and a proven contributor, especially as they look to improve in the postseason.
And finally, the Washington Commanders could potentially acquire another former Cowboy. With rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels leading the team towards a strong postseason run, having robust offensive support is crucial. Austin Ekeler has been dealing with a concerning injury, and while he is returning, adding another solid option like Elliott for relief behind starter Brian Robinson could significantly bolster the offense’s running game and overall stability.
As the football world continues to watch with bated breath, Ezekiel Elliott’s determination to redefine his career is nothing short of inspiring. From the initial $5 million projection with the Patriots to his current efforts to rebuild his explosiveness with the Chargers, his journey encapsulates the relentless spirit of an NFL veteran. His story is a powerful reminder that in the demanding arena of professional sports, passion, resilience, and a strategic fit can unlock new chapters for even the most storied careers, promising exciting football for years to come. The next snap for Zeke is eagerly awaited, wherever and whenever it may come.
