The New England Patriots could be sellers before the 4 PM ET NFL trade deadline, and running back Ezekiel Elliott is one player that is drawing a lot of interest.
This past weekend, the New England Patriots fell to the Miami Dolphins for the second time this season and dropped to 2-6. The team is dead last in the current NFL standings for the AFC East and there is no reason to believe they will be able to turn things around and become a playoff contender in 2023.
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That is why it would be understandable if the team chose to be sellers before today’s trade deadline and cultivated draft assets. If they do look to move some players on Tuesday, Bleacher Report NFL insider Jordan Schultz claims that veteran running back Ezekiel Elliott is drawing a lot of interest.
“Teams are calling the Patriots on Zeke Elliott,” Schultz said. “Running back [needy] teams specifically. Multiple teams are interested in Zeke. It really comes down to eating some of his salary. He’s not cheap but he can help you, and there are a lot of teams looking for running backs.
Assuming the New England Patriots do pull the trigger on an Elliott trade, here are the five teams most likely to land the three-time Pro Bowler.
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5 teams that could land New England Patriots RB Ezekiel Elliott
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys production in the running game is down notably in 2023. It is no surprise since they are without Elliott this season. There were rumblings they could re-sign him well into the summer. While they didn’t pull the trigger then, an admittance of regret trade now would not be surprising.
- Ezekiel Elliott stats (2023): 67 carries, 260 yards, 2 TD, 3.9 yards per carry
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been solid this season and are still in the hunt for the NFC South title despite their recent slump. However, their running game is a massive weakness and the team won’t improve unless they can get more production there. Elliott could certainly boost that troubled position in a deal.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are one of the better offenses in the NFL despite barely rushing for over 100 yards per game as a team. The unit needs more balance and the 28-year-old would be an interesting fit in Andy Reid’s high-powered offense.
Baltimore Ravens
Since JK Dobbibs went down with another season-ending injury earlier this season, the Baltimore Ravens have been in search of some help in the backfield. While Elliott is no longer the player he used to be, he is still better and more proven than the options they currently have. And superstar QB Lamar Jackson could use all the help he can get.
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns as a team has been surprisingly good running the ball without Nick Chubb. Nevertheless, they need proven depth as they head into the second half of the season and fight for a playoff spot. The combo of Kareem Hunt and Ezekiel Elliott would be helpful to either Deshaun Watson or PJ Walker for the rest of the season.