After an extended period of market evaluation, the Patriots are generating late attention by reportedly enlisting the services of Ezekiel Elliott, a running back with three Pro Bowl appearances, according to multiple sources.
Earlier in the summer, reports indicate that the Patriots hosted the former Cowboys star for a visit during the free agency window and are now enhancing their relatively modest running back roster with the addition of Elliott.
Following the release of free-agent acquisition James Robinson in the spring, the Patriots entered training camp with five running backs on their 90-man roster, among them the versatile receiver Ty Montgomery.
Nevertheless, Montgomery’s presence during a significant portion of training camp has been limited, and the team has been prudent in managing the workload of lead back Rhamondre Stevenson throughout the summer.
Given the circumstances surrounding Stevenson and Montgomery, which prompted a cautious approach, only second-year running backs Pierre Strong and Kevin Harris, along with the veteran J.J. Taylor, participated in the recent preseason opener last Thursday.
While Stevenson holds the prominent RB1 position for the Patriots, the reported addition of Elliott into the mix could be driven by the need for seasoned veteran depth behind the third-year back.
Although Harris and Strong have exhibited potential, their collective involvement as rookies was confined to just 27 touches, making them relatively unproven. Conversely, Montgomery’s history highlights difficulties in maintaining physical readiness during consecutive training camps.
In the case of Elliott, the former first-round draft pick was released by the Dallas Cowboys in March, employing a post-June 1st designation after a seven-season tenure. This strategic move aimed to create cap space following a less than stellar performance during the 2022 season. Elliott was in the fifth year of a six-year contract extension he had signed in 2019, navigating through knee issues over the past two seasons.
From @gmfb: Breaking down a big day in the RB market, with Dalvin Cook to the #Jets and Ezekiel Elliott to the #Patriots. Meanwhile, Jonathan Taylor is back in the #Colts building, but still not practicing. @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/kGoow7vBqL
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 15, 2023
With the veteran running back’s explosive qualities exhibiting signs of decline, the Cowboys increasingly relied on backup Tony Pollard, who received the franchise tag from Dallas in the most recent offseason.
Following an exhaustive market assessment, the Patriots are presently making waves due to reported confirmation of their acquisition of Ezekiel Elliott, a running back who has been selected for the Pro Bowl on three occasions, as indicated by multiple sources. Earlier in the summer, reports suggest that the Patriots hosted the former Cowboys star for a visit during the free agency window.
Currently, they are bolstering their relatively modest group of running backs by welcoming Elliott. With the release of free-agent addition James Robinson earlier in the spring, the Patriots embarked on training camp with a roster of five running backs listed among their 90-man lineup, including the versatile receiver Ty Montgomery.
However, Montgomery’s active involvement during a considerable portion of training camp has been restricted, and the team has shown judiciousness in managing the workload of lead back Rhamondre Stevenson throughout the summer months.
Given the scenario revolving around Stevenson and Montgomery, which prompted a cautious approach, only second-year running backs Pierre Strong and Kevin Harris, along with the seasoned J.J. Taylor, participated in the recent preseason opener held last Thursday.
While Stevenson presently occupies the prominent RB1 role for the Patriots, the potential inclusion of Elliott, as reported, could be motivated by the need for experienced veteran depth behind the third-year back.
While Harris and Strong have exhibited promise, their combined contribution during their rookie season was limited to a mere 27 touches, rendering their track record relatively untested. Conversely, Montgomery’s history underscores difficulties in sustaining physical preparedness over consecutive training camps.
Regarding Elliott, the former first-round draft pick was released by the Dallas Cowboys in March, utilizing a post-June 1st designation after completing a seven-year tenure with the team. This strategic maneuver aimed to free up salary cap space following a relatively lackluster performance during the 2022 season.
At the time of his release, Elliott was in the fifth year of a six-year contract extension he had signed in 2019. He navigated through knee issues over the past two seasons. As the dynamic attributes of the veteran running back began displaying signs of decline, the Cowboys started to place greater reliance on backup Tony Pollard, who was granted the franchise tag by Dallas in the most recent offseason.
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