The Dallas Cowboys released running back Ezekiel Elliott on March 15, parting ways with the NFL star after several seasons. Nearly six weeks later, Elliott remains available in NFL free agency with no immediate signs of where he’ll play next season.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on March 23 that Elliott had narrowed down his options to three teams and wanted to make a decision within a week. However, the rumor was quickly refused by teams and other NFL insiders. One month later, the three-time Pro Bowl selection remains without a job for next season.
- Ezekiel Elliott stats (2022): 876 rushing yards, 12 touchdowns, 3.8 yards per carry
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During Elliott’s quiet free-agency period, multiple NFL players have campaigned for him to sign with their teams. Multiple Philadelphia Eagles stars recruited him on the opportunity to get revenge against the Cowboys. More recently, quarterback Dak Prescott campaigned for his return to Dallas next season.
Amid all the pitches from his peers, Elliott is passing the time with other things. While helping at a charity event on Friday, reporters asked him about his immediate NFL future. Elliott declined to provide any clarity on what NFL team he plans to play for, but he was in good spirits.
“I’m doing great. Doing great.”
Ezekiel Elliott when asked about his NFL future, being released by the Dallas Cowboys
While Elliott wouldn’t provide reporters with any strong feedback, his desire to keep playing football remains. While a majority of NFL teams will look to address running back in the 2023 NFL Draft, there are a few viable landing spots for Elliott in free agency.
Identifying 3 best landing spots for Ezekiel Elliott in NFL free agency
After seven NFL seasons, Elliott is destined for a committee role at this point in his career. While he’ll only be 28 years told this season, Dallas relied on him heavily in his early years. The 6-foot running back received 2,300 touches in the Cowboys’ offense, not including preseason games.
Elliott’s effectiveness as a rusher has clearly declined. He’s no longer an explosive running back and he isn’t considered a playmaker on passing downs. Instead, he will need to be a short-yardage back who also is deployed as a pass blocker.
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Keeping those factors in mind, these three teams stand out as the best fits for Elliott.
- Los Angeles Chargers: The Los Angeles Chargers are committed to Austin Ekeler in 2023, but it’s evident he has a defined role with the team. While he was effective inside the 5-yard line last season, scoring six touchdowns on eight carries, there are better ways to use his skills. Elliott would come in and serve as the Chargers’ short-yardage back, picking up first downs and scoring a handful of touchdowns. Plus, he could be on the field with Ekeler on passing downs as an extra blocker in the backfield while Ekeler runs routes. For a team that likes to find discounts in NFL free agency, Elliott is an appealing option.
- Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Mixon is likely finished in Cincinnati, creating a big hole at running back for a team that already lose Samaje Perine. The best path for the Bengals now is to use a Day 2 pick on a player like Jahmyr Gibbs or Tyjae Spears, someone who can create explosive runs and be an effective pass-catcher. Meanwhile, Elliott serves as the short-yardage back, creating the perfect complementary backfield that supports Joe Burrow.
- Miami Dolphins: While the Dolphins’ primary interest remains Dalvin Cook, there is still a chance he doesn’t become available. In that scenario, Miami should make a run at Elliott. Raheem Mostert – 3 carries inside the 5-yard line – and Jeff Wilson – 8 carries inside the 5-yard line – weren’t great short-yardage backs last season. Elliott would come in to form a three-back rotation, providing a skill set that will prove beneficial inside the red zone or when Miami faces a blitz-heavy defense.