Former Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott is not the player he once was, but the free agent can still help the right team. With the start of training camp just a few weeks away, veterans like Elliott will probably find homes in the coming weeks, and there should be a market for a player with his pedigree.
5 Free Agent Team Fits For Ezekiel Elliott
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs have one of the weakest running back depth chart in the league. If the season started today, the team would roll out former seventh-round pick Isiah Pacheco on early downs before transitioning to an aging Jerick McKinnon in passing situations. Pacheco played well down the stretch last year, but the odds of him repeating that impressive performance are fairly slim. Even in his current form, Ezekiel Elliott would likely be the best running back on the depth chart, and it probably wouldn’t take too much for the Chiefs to sign the free agent.
Former #Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott looks faster and leaner 👀
(🎥: @3hunnidGuru) pic.twitter.com/35mOULd53U
— Brandon Loree (@Brandoniswrite) July 6, 2023
Buffalo Bills
Much like the Kansas City Chiefs, the Buffalo Bills are a cash-strapped team in the midst of their championship window that could use an upgrade at running back. With Dalvin Cook likely pricing his way out of Buffalo, the Bills will have to find a cheaper alternative if they want to fortify their backfield. Damien Harris doesn’t do much of anything in the passing game, Latavius Murray doesn’t have much left in his tank, and James Cook is unproven. Ezekiel Elliott wouldn’t receive the same workload he saw in Dallas, but the free agent could be a valuable part of a committee.
New England Patriots
Rhamondre Stevenson is one of the better young running backs in the league, but the depth behind him leaves a lot to be desired. The James Robinson experiment ended before it ever truly began, which means that Pierre Strong, Ty Montgomery, and Kevin Harris are battling for the backup job. Bill Belichick prefers a committee approach to the running back position, which is why the team is currently one of the favorites to land Dalvin Cook. However, if they can’t sign Cook as a free agent, then Ezekiel Elliott would be an ideal backup plan.
New York Jets
Much like the Patriots, the New York Jets are among the top Dalvin Cook suitors despite the presence of a proven starter. Breece Hall set the world on fire as a rookie before tearing his ACL. While all reports indicate that he will be back on the field for the start of the season, it’s clear that the Jets are worried about overworking him. Ezekiel Elliott would actually make more sense as a free agent than Dalvin Cook, as the older veteran clearly has less in his tank and should be willing to sign a cheaper deal with a smaller role. Ideally, Hall will be the starter while Elliott comes on the field as much-needed relief.
New Orleans Saints*
The New Orleans Saints spot on this list heavily depends on the fate of Alvin Kamara. The running back will likely be suspended for a portion of the 2023 season, and he started to show signs of slowing down last year. If he misses time, will New Orleans really be comfortable with Jamaal Williams and rookie Kendre Miller handling all the backfield work?
Main Photo: Kyle Terada – USA Today Sports
