Now it's official.

The New England Patriots announced that they have signed veteran running back Ezekiel Elliott ahead of the 2023 season.

And prior to joint practices with the Green Bay Packers on Wednesday, head coach Bill Belichick commented on the latest roster addition.

"Good to have Zeke. We had a good visit with him. Look forward to working with him," Belichick said.

The deal was announced on Monday, with Elliot reportedly signing with the Patriots on a one-year deal worth up to $6 million.

Elliott traveled with the team to Green Bay for the joint practices, providing reporters with the first look of the running back in his new No. 15 Patriots jersey.

"We'll see. I've never coached Zeke before, but glad we have him," Belichick said. "Spent time with (him) last night on the trip to (teach him) terminology, plays, and projections. Things like that. So we'll work him in there when he's ready. We'll see how that goes."

The veteran brings a lot of experience to the roster, providing additional depth behind Rhamondre Stevenson. Across his seven years in the league, Elliott has 8,262 rushing yards and 68 touchdowns across 103 games played with the Dallas Cowboys. On the receiving side, has has recorded 305 receptions for 2,336 yards and 12 touchdowns.

And according to retired Patriots running back James White, Belichick has always had his eye on Elliott.

"I know Bill Belichick has talked about some of the best backs in the league and I know he's a big fan of Zeke," White said on SiriusXM Radio on Tuesday (transcribed by ESPN’s Mike Reiss). "Whenever we would compete against those guys, he would always talk about how much he wanted to have him on his roster."

The Patriots have been searching for a veteran running back to add to the mix for a while, and Elliott is one that has the ability to make a major impact. 

Ezekiel Elliott is already proving he fits the Patriots’ Way

Elliott signed with the Patriots on Monday.

Featured Image via Sophie Weller – A to Z Sports