In a surprising turn of events, free agent running back Ezekiel Elliott has announced his signing with the New England Patriots. Elliott took to social media to express his excitement, stating, “One Five, all the way live! @Patriots.” This tweet confirmed his plans to wear jersey No. 15, which he wore during his college years at Ohio State. The former Cowboys player has agreed to a one-year deal with the Patriots, addressing one of the team’s thinnest positions on the roster.
Terms of the Deal
Sources have confirmed that Elliott’s one-year contract with the Patriots includes a $3 million base salary, accompanied by a $1 million signing bonus. With additional incentives, the deal has the potential to be worth up to $6 million. This agreement provides the Patriots with a valuable asset, as Elliott is expected to be a top complement to the team’s No. 1 running back option, Rhamondre Stevenson.
A Strategy Informed by Former Connections
Under the leadership of renowned coach Bill Belichick, the Patriots have historically divided early-down responsibilities between two running backs. In order to gain insight and evaluate Elliott’s potential, Belichick reportedly reached out to Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones, who provided valuable information. Afterward, Elliott was granted a visit with the Patriots on July 29, during which he engaged in discussions with team officials and even shared a meal with quarterback Mac Jones.
During the 2022 season, Elliott experienced a decline in performance with the Cowboys, managing a career-low 876 rushing yards. However, he still showcased his ability to score touchdowns and excel as a short-yardage back and pass protector, accumulating a total of 12 touchdowns. Despite these achievements, Elliott’s production was marred by a concerning statistic—averaging a mere 3.9 yards per touch, the lowest among the 51 running backs with at least 100 touches.
Addressing the Patriots’ Running Back Depth
The signing of Ezekiel Elliott comes as a much-needed solution to the Patriots’ lack of depth at the running back position. Throughout training camp, head coach Bill Belichick has witnessed the limited options available to him. Although Rhamondre Stevenson has shown promise as the team’s primary back, second-year players Pierre Strong Jr. and Kevin Harris have been unreliable due to undisclosed reasons and injuries, respectively. Additionally, veteran Ty Montgomery is currently sidelined with a left leg/knee injury sustained early in camp. The remaining depth chart includes third-year player J.J Taylor and former USFL rusher C.J. Marable.
An intriguing storyline emerges as the Patriots are scheduled to face the Cowboys, Elliott’s former team, on Sunday, October 21, in Week 4 of the regular season. This matchup will undoubtedly amplify the stakes for Elliott, who will have the opportunity to prove his worth against familiar faces.
Despite the criticisms surrounding Elliott’s performance in recent years, there is no denying his potential impact on a team like the Patriots. As the organization continues to make calculated moves to strengthen their roster, the signing of Ezekiel Elliott may be a step towards reclaiming their dominance in the NFL. Only time will tell if this is the start of a successful journey with the Patriots for Elliott and his new teammates.
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