The Chiefs or Chargers may pursue three-time Pro Bowler Ezekiel Elliott in a trade this season. One report is urging the Cowboys to move on from the veteran since they don’t know what his role is. This team hoped Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn and Elliott would be efficient enough to give Dak Prescott a reliable running game. However, despite bringing in Dalvin Cook, the Cowboys have yet to start but Elliott hasn’t been the same and Dowdle is outperforming him.
Dallas has a bigger problem on their hands since the team hasn’t figured out who’s going to be their immediate starter going forward. They had a chance to effectively bolster the running game with this past draft and an opportunity to add Derrick Henry but haven’t. Henry is now leading the NFL in pass-rushing yards so now the Cowboys are regretting that decision despite Jerry Jones’ claim they couldn’t afford him. Jones mentioned that they’re using Elliott when the time’s right but that could just be damage control.
Originally selected in the 2016 NFL Draft, the Ohio State product was heading toward a successful tenure but injuries were slowing him down and the emergence of Tony Pollard didn’t help his case. However, the Cowboys brought him back after spending a year in New England but that hasn’t been working out. Elliott is dumbfounded at what his role is on the roster as he was expecting the team to utilize him near the red zone. He could find his next opportunity elsewhere and the Chiefs and Chargers are probably the best two fits.
Chiefs, Chargers May Pursue Three-Time Pro Bowler Ezekiel Elliott in Trade
Kareem Hunt Depth
Andy Reid isn’t sure when or if Isiah Pacheco will return since he’s still recovering from his fibula surgery. Kareem Hunt may be holding down the stomping grounds but there is a real chance he’ll likely slow down in time for the playoffs. Rookie Carson Steele hasn’t done anything special in terms of moving the chains but they still have Samaje Perine who is nothing more but a journeyman. The Chiefs haven’t done much to completely replace Pacheco since they’re holding their breath for his return.
However, the Chiefs must face reality and add someone to help Hunt carry the snaps. They can probably depend on Perine but he’s only shown a few flashes. Elliott might not be able to wipe off the rust but the Chiefs are 5-0 for a reason, the team could most likely bring out his 2016 rookie self. Kansas City is already struggling with an adequate amount of receivers so they could be resorting to running the football.
Running the Ball
Since losing Austin Ekeler, it’s fair to say the Chargers running game hasn’t been the same despite signing J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards. However, Edwards is out and there’s no timetable for his return so they have to brace for Dobbins to lead the backfield. Elliott could probably be a fine insurance policy for a team that will probably hand him the football more often than what the Cowboys are utilizing him for. Justin Herbert may bring out the best in him even though he prefers throwing the football.
Since Jim Harbaugh loves running the ball and winning in the trenches, this could be the same philosophy that Elliott would love. He might not do much but it’s a better upgrade than risking rookie Kimani Vidal. Perhaps, Elliott could become the best runner and immediate starter going forward. They can’t depend on Dobbins and Edwards forever since they won’t come cheap.
