Patriots' could make a big-time addition to their backfield
The New England Patriots could use some veteran depth at running back with the recent news of James Robinson being cut from the team. Fortunately, there is an ideal candidate who is currently a free agent: Ezekiel Elliott. Elliott is coming off his least efficient season with the Cowboys, and despite several months passing since the start […]
The New England Patriots could use some veteran depth at running back with the recent news of James Robinson being cut from the team. Fortunately, there is an ideal candidate who is currently a free agent: Ezekiel Elliott.
Elliott is coming off his least efficient season with the Cowboys, and despite several months passing since the start of free agency, he remains unsigned. Before we delve into his film and the potential value he can bring to a team at this stage of his career, let's discuss the reasons behind his lack of a contract.
Skip Peete, the former running backs coach for the Dallas Cowboys who joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers earlier this year, provided some insight into why Elliott is still without a team. When asked if Elliott would be open to accepting a reduced role as a rotational running back, Peete suggested Elliott is struggling to accept that he is no longer a work-horse running back. Peete stated, “I think that’s part of the reason he’s sitting out there."
He further elaborated, saying, “If you’re going to play, I mean, you’re going to be the second and third guy. That’s kind of what the price is. So. that’s something that a person has to be able to see that that is what it is going to be.”
Pete clarified that he still believes Elliot can have an effective role in the NFL, “I think Zeke is still a good, quality running back." If there is any team that can utilize Elliott as a rotational running back, maximize his skill set, and needs the help, it is the Patriots.
Despite not being as old as one might assume, Elliott will turn 28 years old in July. However, it's worth noting that he has accumulated a considerable workload throughout his seven seasons in the NFL, amassing a total of 2,183 snaps (including pass-blocking and receiving snaps) and rushing for 8,262 yards.
Elliott still possesses the necessary short-area burst and contact balance to remain an effective running back, particularly excelling in short-yardage situations and on the goal-line. In fact, he recorded 12 touchdowns and ranked 10th in terms of first downs gained among the 22 running backs who had at least 200 rushing attempts.
As an athlete, I believe it is fair to assess that Elliott has experienced a decline in the "turn the corner" burner speed he once possessed. However, he remains well-suited for a heavy inside zone scheme that can capitalize on his ability to run effectively between the tackles. While Elliott still possesses enough speed to be impactful, I would think that his next team limits his opportunities to carry the ball outside. It is worth noting that the offensive line of the Cowboys, his previous team, did not consistently excel as a run-blocking unit.
The Patriots could benefit from adding a secondary running option to lighten the load on Rhamondre Stevenson, and they should be in the running back market after releasing veteran James Robinson this past week. Elliott would undoubtedly be an upgrade over Robinson, and I wouldn't be surprised if Elliott had a bit of a career revitalization in New England.
The Patriots have an excellent strength and conditioning staff that has a history of extending injury-prone and older players' careers. If the Patriots did sign Elliott, they could have one of the best back-fields in the NFL. With Stevenson and Elliott sharing carries, complemented by the speed and explosiveness of Pierre Strong Jr, who possesses 4.37 speed, the Patriots' offense could become even more dynamic.
Featured Image via Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
