Ezekiel Elliott has a new home and will join the New England Patriots. The former Dallas Cowboy has agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $6 million. Elliott is expected to sign the deal in New England before boarding a plane to join the team in Green Bay. The Patriots have joint practices with the Packers ahead of their preseason matchup later this week.
While Ezekiel Elliott’s effectiveness has decreased in recent seasons, New England will use him in a different capacity. Third-year back Rhamondre Stevenson should continue to get the bulk of the carries for the Patriots. Elliott should be able to provide production in a complementary role behind him. The Patriots do not need him to be a star, only a cog in a much larger machine.
The Patriots have a way of getting the most out of players who fall out of favor with their previous team. It would not be surprising to see Ezekiel Elliott carve out a meaningful role and show that his career is not over.
Ezekiel Elliott was originally a first-round draft pick of the Dallas Cowboys in the 2016 NFL Draft. Elliott rushed for 8,262 yards and 68 touchdowns in his seven years as a Cowboy. The emergence of Tony Pollard made Elliott expendable in the eyes of the Cowboys. If things go well in New England, Elliott can rebuild his value and look for a new deal next off-season. If not, it may be hard to find work in the future, considering how long it took this deal to develop.
