Once one of the best running backs in the NFL, Ezekiel Elliott has seen his career take a turn in recent seasons. It led to the three-time Pro Bowler being released by the Dallas Cowboys earlier this offseason.
Despite his downtick in production, the 27-year-old Elliott is still drawing interest in NFL free agency. That now includes the veteran narrowing his options down to three teams.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Elliott will choose between the New York Jets, Cincinnati Bengals and Philadelphia Eagles. He expects to make a decision within the matter of a week.
Philadelphia’s inclusion is interesting in that it is a bitter rival of Elliott’s former Cowboys team. Could this be a way of Zeke sticking it to Jerry Jones and Co.? Perhaps.
Ezekiel Elliott stats (2022): 231 attempts, 876 yards, 3.8 average, 12 TD
For the second time in three seasons, Elliott failed to reach the 1,000-yard plateau in 2022. Prior to that, he had been among the most-dominant running backs in the game. From his rookie season back in 2016 to 2019, the Ohio State product averaged 1,756 total yards and 12 touchdowns.
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Best fit for Ezekiel Elliott in NFL free agency
Looking at the three teams involved in the Elliott “sweepstakes,” it would seem that the Jets might be the best option. They will soon acquire future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers. Having Elliott team up with stud young running back Breece Hall would be ideal for head coach Robert Saleh and Co.
The Bengals could make sense in that they might move off longtime running back Joe Mixon this offseason. Backup Samaje Perine also departed for the Denver Broncos in free agency.
As for Philadelphia, the defending NFC Champions just signed former Seattle Seahawks first-round pick Rashaad Penny to replace Miles Sanders in the backfield. Penny has a significant injury history, making a signing of Ezekiel Elliott attractive for general manager Howie Roseman and Co.