The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may not have a very deep running back room right now, but that doesn't mean they just need to go out and sign anyone. The team isn't in a spot to spend like that.

Upgrades need to be thought out and calculated more than ever before. Every move needs to be under strict scrutiny to ensure the team is in the best position to stay afloat next year.

With all of this in mind, the Buccaneers need to keep doing everything in their power to distance themselves from the discussions surrounding running back Ezekiel Elliott.

Elliott is being mentioned by some fans because the Buccaneers do have a need in a very young and unproven room, but Elliott is just a drain on resources that doesn't move the needle in the right direction.

Elliott hasn't been a great runner between the tackles for a while, is terrible in the passing game as a receiver, and generally only finds success as a blocker on pass plays. In all, this is a step back from what Tampa had in Leonard Fournette in all but one area, and that's saying something.

Elliott is a recognizable name that has a decent resume, but that is all that he brings. As far as on-field performances, Elliott has shown that all he will do is slow down the development of younger players that are actually more dynamic.

It may be risky, but letting it ride with what they already have is actually a better move for the Bucs in the long run.

Washed up veterans aren't needed in Tampa. The Bucs need to stay far away from Ezekiel Elliott.