Buccaneers reportedly 'checked in' on RB Ezekiel Elliott
Speculation has linked the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to former Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott all offseason. Apparently, there's fire to the smoke. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the team checked in on the three-time Pro Bowler, but nothing ever came to fruition. "The Bucs once upon a time, I heard, checked in on this, […]
Speculation has linked the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to former Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott all offseason.
Apparently, there's fire to the smoke. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the team checked in on the three-time Pro Bowler, but nothing ever came to fruition.
"The Bucs once upon a time, I heard, checked in on this, but it never really went anywhere," Fowler said on the latest episode of NFL Live. "I don't think teams are spending big money, right now, on that position and that appears to be the issue."
The Buccaneers currently have second-year running back Rachaad White, veteran Chase Edmonds, fourth-year back Ke'Shawn Vaughn, Patrick Laird, Sean Tucker, and Ronnie Brown on the roster. As you can see, Edmonds is the only veteran player in the running back room, which isn't an ideal situation. Even if the team has a ton of faith in White.
At the same time, however, it's clear Elliott isn't the same player, these days. He'd be a great backup, but as Fowler notes, his monetary desires and wants overshadow any kind of role that is equal to part-time, so to speak.
Overall, the Bucs made a smart move passing on Elliott. For starters, they need to stay away from overpaying aging veterans. They also have capable players, even if the majority of them are unproven, and Elliott isn't a necessity, at this point.
Featured image via Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports
