Free agent running back Ezekiel Elliott is set to meet with the New England Patriots this weekend, following a conversation between Bill Belichick and Cowboys Executive VP Stephen Jones.
After a productive initial discussion between the two front offices, Belichick invited Elliott out to Foxborough to meet. The former Cowboys running back is one of several high profile backs still available via free agency this offseason.
With the running back market cooling significantly in recent years, so much so that RBs are considering hosting a “summit” to discuss the matter, Elliott currently finds himself with a club for 2023 after being released by the Cowboys on March 15th.
While his production dipped to career lows with 876 rushing yards, and 58.4 yards per game last season, he still managed to post 12 TDs on the ground, and remains an above average blocker in pass protection. His short yardage work remains amongst the upper end of the NFL, making him an intriguing option behind starter Rhamondre Stevenson.
New England ranked 24th in the league in rushing in 2022, and currently boasts a backfield of Ty Montgomery, Pierre Strong Jr., and Kevin Harris behind Stevenson. Adding a veteran RB such as Zeke on a short term deal could be mutually beneficial for both parties.
The trip will be Elliott’s first official free agent visit with an NFL club since he was released. New England has previously hosted free agent running backs Leonard Fournette and Darrell Henderson, but no deals were agreed upon.
“I’m totally confident in our room right now, but if we get another one, I’m [fine] with that too,” said Patriots director of player personnel Matt Groh earlier this week.
Elliott is a 3x Pro Bowler and a 2x All-Pro. The 28 year old back led the league in rushing in both 2016 and 2018.
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