Where Will Ezekiel Elliott Land Next? Cowboys Star’s Threat to Leave Sparks Speculation
Ezekiel Elliott’s future with the Dallas Cowboys has been one of the most debated topics in the NFL over the past few seasons. As one of the most talented and physically gifted running backs to enter the league in recent years, Elliott’s tenure in Dallas has been marked by spectacular highs, including a league-leading rushing title and numerous Pro Bowl appearances, as well as difficult lows, including a dip in performance and a shifting role within the Cowboys’ offensive scheme.
In 2023, Elliott made headlines with his decision to leave the Cowboys and enter free agency after a turbulent year that saw his production drop significantly compared to his earlier seasons. Despite his undeniable talent, the 2023 season raised questions about his longevity and ability to return to his previous level of play. Now, with speculation swirling around his future, football fans and analysts are left wondering: Where will Ezekiel Elliott land next? What factors are shaping his decision-making, and how could this impact the teams that may be interested in his services?
This article explores Ezekiel Elliott’s journey with the Cowboys, the circumstances surrounding his departure, the teams that may be a potential landing spot for the veteran running back, and what the future holds for a player once considered among the NFL’s most dynamic stars.
Ezekiel Elliott: The Dallas Cowboys’ Workhorse
Ezekiel Elliott was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round (4th overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. From the moment he entered the league, Elliott established himself as one of the best running backs in the NFL, earning Pro Bowl honors in each of his first three seasons. In his rookie year, he rushed for 1,631 yards, led the league in rushing touchdowns with 15, and helped the Cowboys clinch the NFC East division title. This was just the beginning of what seemed like a bright and promising career.
Elliott’s blend of size, speed, and vision allowed him to dominate opposing defenses, and he quickly became a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ offense. Over the next few seasons, Elliott continued to pile up rushing yards, earning a second rushing title in 2018 with 1,434 yards and solidifying his place as one of the league’s most valuable players.
In 2019, the Cowboys made the decision to make Elliott one of the highest-paid running backs in the NFL, giving him a six-year, $90 million contract extension. The extension seemed to signify the Cowboys’ long-term commitment to Elliott, with the team betting that his elite production would continue for the foreseeable future. However, despite the hefty contract, Elliott’s production began to taper off in the following seasons.
Decline and the 2022-2023 Season
After signing his big contract, Elliott’s production started to show signs of decline, with several factors contributing to his diminished impact. One of the biggest reasons for this decline was the Cowboys’ shifting offensive philosophy, with quarterback Dak Prescott taking on more of the offensive load. The emergence of younger players like Tony Pollard in the backfield also affected Elliott’s role, as the Cowboys’ coaching staff began to rotate running backs more frequently, leading to fewer touches for Elliott.
Throughout the 2022 season, Elliott’s production continued to drop. His rushing yards per carry dipped significantly, and it became evident that his explosive ability was no longer at the level it had been in his early years. By the end of the 2022 campaign, Elliott had rushed for 876 yards and 12 touchdowns, a decent season but far below his once-dominant numbers.
In 2023, Elliott’s role within the Cowboys’ offense became even more uncertain, as the team increasingly turned to Pollard to lead the rushing attack. With Pollard emerging as a viable starting option, the Cowboys made the difficult decision to part ways with Elliott, creating a void in the backfield that would leave fans speculating about the next step in his career.
Elliott’s departure from the Cowboys sparked immediate speculation about his future, with multiple teams potentially interested in adding the former star running back to their roster. However, there were still many questions about how much value he had left to offer. Would he be able to regain his prior form, or was his best football behind him?
The Free Agent Market
Ezekiel Elliott’s departure from Dallas signaled the beginning of his journey into free agency. Although many saw this as a natural part of the NFL’s often unforgiving business landscape, it marked the first time in his career that Elliott would have to face the realities of being a free agent. Given his age (28 in 2023), his prior contract, and his production decline in recent seasons, Elliott was no longer the coveted franchise player he once was. Instead, he was viewed as a player who still had value but was no longer capable of being a true workhorse back.
The free-agent running back market in 2023 was highly competitive, with several players vying for positions on teams looking to solidify their backfields. Elliott was seen as a potential addition for teams looking to add a veteran presence, a short-yardage option, or a complementary piece to an already established backfield.
However, while Elliott still possessed the skills necessary to help a team in specific situations, many front offices viewed him as a high-risk investment due to his age and injury history. With younger, cheaper running backs available through the draft and free agency, teams were hesitant to commit significant resources to a player who had shown signs of physical decline.
Potential Landing Spots for Ezekiel Elliott
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, several teams are considered potential landing spots for Ezekiel Elliott, each with different needs and priorities. Below, we examine a few of these teams and what Elliott could bring to their rosters.
1. New England Patriots
One of the most commonly mentioned landing spots for Elliott has been the New England Patriots. Under head coach Bill Belichick, the Patriots have consistently prioritized a balanced, run-heavy offense, and they have historically been open to adding veteran players to the roster. New England’s backfield, which features Damien Harris and Stevenson, could benefit from Elliott’s ability to punch the ball in at the goal line and provide leadership in the locker room.
Elliott could serve as a powerful, change-of-pace back who can contribute in short-yardage situations while taking some of the pressure off Stevenson as the primary ball carrier. With the Patriots’ tendency to rotate running backs and rely on a physical rushing attack, Elliott could carve out a significant role in their offense, even if he isn’t the feature back.
2. Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are a team that could benefit from a veteran running back like Elliott, especially after the departure of some key players in their backfield. The Dolphins have been building an explosive offense under head coach Mike McDaniel, and adding Elliott could help round out their rushing game. The team already features the dynamic speed of Raheem Mostert and the shifty talents of Jeff Wilson, but Elliott could add a physical element, particularly near the goal line and in short-yardage situations.
As a team looking to compete for a playoff spot, the Dolphins may see Elliott as a valuable asset to bolster their ground game, giving them a more well-rounded offensive attack. If Miami wants to diversify its run game, adding Elliott to the roster could make sense as they build for a deep postseason run.
3. Buffalo Bills
Another team that could show interest in Elliott is the Buffalo Bills. With Josh Allen leading the offense, Buffalo’s aerial attack often takes center stage, but the team has been seeking a more consistent rushing threat to complement their passing game. Despite having Devin Singletary and James Cook in the backfield, the Bills’ running game has lacked consistency in recent seasons. Elliott could offer them a veteran presence to add power and strength in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
With the Bills aiming for a Super Bowl, adding Elliott as a complementary back would make sense if they want to ensure they have a balanced offense capable of scoring in a variety of ways.
4. Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are always in the hunt for ways to add to their high-powered offense, and while they have star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the team has been missing a consistent, workhorse running back since the departure of Damien Williams. Elliott could be an interesting fit in Kansas City as both a traditional running back and a change-of-pace option to complement the versatility of rookie Isiah Pacheco.
In Kansas City’s high-scoring offense, Elliott’s ability to pick up tough yards and contribute in goal-line situations could allow him to thrive in a system that features multiple playmakers. While the Chiefs have been known to rely heavily on their passing game, adding a steady veteran presence like Elliott could help provide balance and keep defenses honest.
5. Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns have one of the most potent rushing attacks in the NFL, featuring the powerful Nick Chubb as their workhorse back. However, Elliott could provide an intriguing complement to Chubb, particularly as a short-yardage and goal-line back. The Browns have used multiple running backs in recent years to keep fresh legs in the backfield, and adding Elliott would be a logical move to solidify their backfield depth.
Additionally, Elliott’s leadership and experience could help mentor younger running backs on the roster, creating a positive atmosphere in the locker room while also giving the Browns an extra weapon to use in key situations.
Conclusion: What Does the Future Hold for Ezekiel Elliott?
As Ezekiel Elliott prepares to take the next step in his career, his future remains uncertain. The star running back has proven himself to be one of the best in the game at his peak, but with age and performance decline, the next phase of his career will require him to adjust to a different role in the NFL.
The team that signs Elliott will likely view him as a complementary
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