The Ezekiel Elliott market appeared to be heating up earlier this month, but the veteran running back remains unsigned. While there haven’t been any reports regarding Elliott’s asking price, his continued free agent status could be tied to underwhelming offers.
[RELATED: Latest On Patriots’ Interest In RBs Ezekiel Elliott]
According to Mike Giardi of Boston Sports Journal (via Twitter), potential suitors “would prefer to pay the bare minimum” for Elliott’s services. In fact, Giardi hears that one team wants to sign the running back after Week 1 so they can avoid any guarantees. The veteran was tied to a $10.9MM base salary and an untenable $16.72MM cap number in 2023 before he was released by the Cowboys.
Elliott has only had an official visit with the Patriots, but throughout the offseason, teams like the Buccaneers, Eagles, Bengals, and Jets have been tied to the RB. Most recently, we heard that the Cowboys would still consider bringing back their long-time player, although that scenario continues to appear unlikely.
We heard yesterday that despite New England’s $17MM in cap space, the front office has a clear price point that they’re not prepared to surpass. Based on today’s rumblings, it sounds like the Patriots would only be bidding against themselves at this point, assuming they’re willing to bring Elliott in ASAP.
The Patriots hosted Elliott along with several other established backs a few weeks ago, and despite the RB leaving New England without a deal, the organization remains “highly interested” in him. With Damien Harris having left for Buffalo, the Patriots lack established depth behind Rhamondre Stevenson. Based on last night’s preseason game, 2022 fourth-round pick Pierre Strong is currently in the lead for the RB2 spot. The Patriots also gave a look at 2022 sixth-round pick Kevin Harris and former UDFA J.J. Taylor.
Minnesota is looking for a RB, if Hunt is not signed by the Vikings Zeke would be a nice addition.
you rush for 875 yards and you’re out of the league. if you rush for 1,000 yards they put you in the Hall of Fame. receivers and running back should be able to get a 100 yards each game to be considered one of the best in the league. average 65 yards a game and you’ll be over a 1,000 for the year.
Zeke has over 8,000 yards, four 1,000 yard seasons, and averages over 80 a game – he isn’t going into the HOF.
Criteria for the HOF throughout sports has fallen. I blame participation awards for this.
This ^
There are MLB players who honestly liked and who had very consistent careers but simply are not who I’d ever use “Hall of Fame” in the same sentence.
Craig Biggio is a perfect example
HOF should be the elite of the rarified level of professional players … but that’s just me ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Pretty solid take. If we’re removing Biggio, then Jeter needs to go as well. They should just design a threshold system, which they’ll never do because half the guys currently in would no longer qualify lol