The Patriots have lastly added a veteran operating again to their steady. On Monday, New England agreed to phrases on a one-year take care of former Cowboys star Ezekiel Elliott value as much as $6 million, according to NFL Media, and confirmed by CBS Sports NFL Insider Jonathan Jones. As for the specifics of Elliott’s deal, ESPN notes that he has a base wage of $3 million and a $1 million signing bonuses to associate with incentives that may convey the deal to $6 million.
Elliott additionally jumped on social media to announce his subsequent transfer:
This comes just a few weeks after Elliott, who is predicted to put on No. 15 for the membership as a nod to his days at Ohio State, visited New England on the finish of the workforce’s first week of coaching camp. The again initially left Gillette Stadium and not using a deal, however the go to, per the Boston Globe, went properly and Elliott remained on the town heading into Sunday. Elliott’s go to additionally appeared to incorporate some recruiting on the a part of quarterback Mac Jones, who was seen having dinner with him in Boston’s Seaport district on Saturday evening.
All through the summer season, the Patriots had been on the hunt for one more skilled participant to inject into their backfield alongside third-year runner Rhamondre Stevenson. On high of their intrigue and eventual signing of Elliott, New England additionally expressed curiosity in fellow Professional Bowl operating again Dalvin Cook dinner and had the likes of Leonard Fournette and Darrell Henderson in for visits. The membership misplaced Damien Harris, who was averaging roughly 11.1 touches per sport final season, in free company this offseason and launched veteran James Robinson in June. That left the cabinet naked behind Stevenson as second-year backs Pierre Robust Jr. and Kevin Harris function the subsequent obtainable choices on the roster.
Elliott spent his total profession with Dallas up till he was launched by the workforce again in March. At his peak with the Cowboys, the previous No. 4 general decide was arguably the most effective operating again within the NFL however has been on the downslope in current seasons. Final season, he averaged a career-low 3.8 yards per carry and 968 yards from scrimmage in 15 video games performed.
Whereas he is probably not in his prime, Elliott may show to be extraordinarily priceless to the Patriots, notably within the pink zone. All 12 of Elliott’s dashing touchdowns in 2022 got here within the pink space whereas 11 of these got here contained in the 10-yard line. New England ranked useless final within the NFL in pink zone effectivity final yr, so Elliott’s knack for finish zone could possibly be a lacking piece to this revamped offense underneath new OC Invoice O’Brien, whereas additionally conserving Stevenson recent down the stretch.
