Former Dallas Cowboys star running back Ezekiel Elliot announced via social media on Monday that he is signing with the New England Patriots.
Elliot and the Patriots agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $6 million with incentives. The contract features a $3 million base salary in addition to a $1 million signing bonus. Elliot helps the Patriots fill a position of need and is now the presumed backup running back to Rhamondre Stevenson.
The Cowboys released Elliot early this offseason to free up cap space after he had arguably the worst season of his career. However, constant rumors were speculating that the two could reunite. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones continued to leave the door open for Elliot’s return whenever he had the opportunity.
Ultimately, Elliot took an incentive-laden deal to sign with the Patriots in hopes of securing a larger role. Pats head coach Bill Belichick has become known to prefer using multiple running backs out of the backfield as opposed to a three-down workhorse.
Last season, Elliot recorded a career-low 876 rushing yards and 3.8 yards per rushing attempt. However, he also scored 12 touchdowns and showed he is still one of the NFL’s best goal-line backs while also solidifying himself as an elite pass protector out of the backfield.
Having amassed 2,186 touches in his seven years with the Cowboys, Elliot has a lot of tread on his tires. Now, he steps into a complementary role behind a talented young running back, which could bode well for his efficiency metrics.
The Pats and Cowboys are set to face off in Week 4 of the regular season and Elliot will almost certainly be honored by the franchise for his efforts when he returns to Dallas in a different uniform for the first time in his career.
