Ezekiel Elliott has been a shining spot in a rough season for the New England Patriots. But with only four games remaining and no chance at making the playoffs, the conversations about what's next for many of the key free agents have begun. 

And Ezekiel Elliott was asked about this on Wednesday, with reporters trying to gage if the running back would have any interest in returning. 

"It's definitely been a good experience," Elliott said about his time with the Patriots. "I love playing with the Rhamondre. I love this team. I love this city. So I think I'd be open to it."

The Patriots' struggles this season haven't been fun for anyone and because of that, it didn't seem likely that Elliott would return to New England. 

But his friendship with Stevenson combined with the opportunity to be coached by Bill Belichick has been, in his words, "a good experience."

Elliott described Belichick as a "tough coach," but knows that his coaching style is what has led to so much success. 

"But if you're a football player, if you're a tough player, then you like to be coached tough," Elliott said. "And so I think every day, he holds everyone in the building to the highest level. I mean everyone knows the standard. And I think that he's been consistent with that since I've been here. And I really respect him."

And along with Belichick's tough coaching, the New England winter has scared him off just yet either. 

"I can deal with the cold," Elliott explained. "It's the rain. It's the rain that I don't like." 

This year has also been different for Elliott in terms of touches on the ball. 

Last season, he had 231 carries for 876 yards and 12 touchdowns. And that wasn't even his career high (that was in his rookie year – 2016). This season, he has 134 carries for 497 yards and two touchdowns. But he is getting more targets on the receiving side. 

"I feel healthy and ready to go," Elliott said. "I wasn't planning on retiring anyway. I got a lot of gas in the tank."

So the jury is still out on whether he will stick around with the Patriots for another season.