Veteran running back Ezekiel Elliott was a first-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2016 NFL Draft. The former Ohio State Buckeye was the No. 4 overall pick that year. More importantly, he had an outstanding rookie season.
Elliott had 322 rushing attempts for 1,631 yards and 15 touchdowns as a rookie. He led the NFL in rushing attempts and yards despite sitting out the final game of the regular season. Furthermore, the star running back led the league in rushing yards per game in 2016, 2017, and 2018.
Following an impressive rookie season, Elliott was a fantasy star for the next few years. Unfortunately, the star running back saw his production decline over the past few seasons.
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Is Ezekiel Elliott A Free Agent?
Last year Elliott had 231 rushing attempts for 876 yards and 12 touchdowns in 15 games. He ended the year as the RB19, averaging 11.8 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. Meanwhile, Tony Pollard became a fantasy star, totaling 193 rushing attempts for 1,007 yards and nine touchdowns. The former fourth-round pick ended the year as the RB7, averaging 14.3 fantasy points per game.
When the Cowboys placed the franchise tag on Pollard earlier this offseason, it suggested Elliott’s time in Dallas was over. The team officially released the former superstar running back on March 15.
Which Teams Would Be The Best Fit For Ezekiel Elliott?
Reportedly the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were interested in the former Ohio State Buckeye earlier this offseason. However, that interest hasn’t resulted in Elliott joining the team.
The Buccaneers released Leonard Fournette earlier this offseason, leaving Rachaad White as the lead back. While they signed Chase Edmonds to a one-year deal, that won’t stop the team from adding a running back in free agency or during the 2023 NFL Draft.
Tampa Bay wouldn’t be an awful fit for Elliott. However, his best fit is a return to Dallas. Pollard is coming off a fractured fibula injury. Furthermore, he struggles around the goal line. Meanwhile, that is the strength of Elliott’s game at this point in his career.
Dallas could re-sign Elliott after the 2023 NFL Draft if the team doesn’t spend a high draft pick on a running back. Elliott would surrender the starting role to Pollard while becoming the short-yardage and goal-line specialist.
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