Lack of free agency interest could be signaling the end for former Ohio State legend amidst critic's biggest question mark

It was a remarkable career for former Ohio State star running back Ezekiel Elliott, who is still trying to find his new home while sitting as a free agent. He has spent the bulk of his career as a Dallas Cowboy aside from spending one season with the New England Patriots in 2023. Elliott's career […]

Ryan Roberts — National College Football Writer
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Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) and Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer hold up the Sugar Bowl trophy after beating Alabama Crimson Tide in the Allstate Sugar Bowl college football Playoff Semifinal game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on January 1, 2015. (Dispatch photo by Kyle Robertson)
Kyle Robertson / USA TODAY NETWORK

It was a remarkable career for former Ohio State star running back Ezekiel Elliott, who is still trying to find his new home while sitting as a free agent. He has spent the bulk of his career as a Dallas Cowboy aside from spending one season with the New England Patriots in 2023. Elliott's career has been trending downward for several years now, and the writing feels like it could be on the wall.

During his nine-year NFL career, Elliott has rushed for 9,130 yards and 74 touchdowns. He has also hauled in 368 receptions for 2,718 yards and 14 more scores. Elliott also led the league in rushing twice during that stretch. 

The former Buckeye standout was originally the No. 4 overall selection in the 2016 NFL Draft by the Cowboys. That came off of a historic career in Columbus, rushing for 3,961 yards and 43 touchdowns. Elliott also made 58 receptions for 449 yards and another score. His historic stretch during the 2014 season was massive for the Buckeyes to win a National Championship.

It has now been four years since Elliott has rushed for 1,000 yards in a season. He has also fallen below four yards per carry in a second for three straight years as well. Although he is still only 29 years old, the demand for Elliott lessens by the year. The value he once brought, including explosiveness and big play ability, has been trending downward quickly,

There has been almost no buzz around Elliott, and NFL teams having much of any interest. Things can obviously change but so far into free agency, it is not a very positive sign. There is a chance that a deeper conversation is going to have to happen for Elliott this offseason. 

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