AUGUST 16: Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio reports that Elliott’s base compensation actually consists of $1.55MM in salary and a $600K signing bonus. To no surprise, much of the maximum $6MM value is tied to incentives for availability, playing time and production.
Elliott will earn $50K weekly in roster bonuses, and he can see further payments based on scrimmage yards totals. Bonuses in that regard are staggered at $300K increments, and can reach up to $1.5MM in the unlikely event he records 1,475 yards of offense (which would be his highest total since 2019). Playing time incentives are also included, and they max out at the 70% snap threshold, something Elliott is likewise doubtful to reach serving as Stevenson’s backup. As a result, the three-time Pro Bowler can be expected to see modest earnings in 2023 as he aims to build his 2024 free agent value.
AUGUST 14: The first major domino on the veteran running back market has fallen. Ezekiel Elliott is expected to sign with the Patriots on a one-year deal with a maximum value of $6MM, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports (Twitter link). ESPN’s Adam Schefter adds that the pact includes a base salary of $3MM and a $1MM signing bonus. 
For some time now, New England has seemed to be the most logical destination for the former rushing champion. Elliott’s only official visit was with the Patriots, though the team has also shown interest in other veteran backs. The parties will now enter into an agreement as he looks to rebuild his value in a backup role. Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram tweets that New England’s offer had been on the table for a matter of weeks, but it was “tweaked” yesterday.
The Patriots were connected for a stretch with Dalvin Cook, but finances led them to turn their attention to Elliott. Still, the team was believed to have a firm price point in mind which it was not prepared to exceed in a buyer’s market at the RB position. The same reportedly held true for other interested parties. Aside from Elliott, New England also kicked the tires on Leonard Fournette and Darrell Henderson; the latter two will need to look elsewhere for an opportunity given today’s news.
Elliott saw his seven-year Cowboys tenure come to an expected end when he was released in a cost-shedding move. A return to Dallas to serve as a low-cost compliment to Tony Pollard remained a possibility to varying degrees during the offseason. The most recent update on that front, though, indicated a reunion was unlikely. Elliott, 28, will now join a new NFL team for the first time in his career.
The Patriots saw 2021 fourth-rounder Rhamondre Stevenson emerge as a capable lead back last season. He recorded 1,461 scrimmage yards and six total touchdowns, figures he will aim to replicate in 2023. The team was thin on experience behind Stevenson, though, and Elliott will provide a boost in that regard. The latter averaged a career-low 3.8 yards per carry last season as he was used increasingly as a short-yardage specialist. Doing so in New England could make him an effective secondary option in the ground game, though he also has considerable starting experience should Stevenson miss time.
Improvements through the air are expected for New England with quarterback Mac Jones entering his third year, new offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien in place and a number of alterations having been made to the pass-catching corps. Production in the running game will still be a crucial element of the team’s ability to return to the postseason, however, and Elliott will have a role in that regard. Succeeding in it will help his new team along with his free agent value come next offseason.
Looks like that week 4 game in Dallas just got more interesting. If Zeke can’t get motivated for a matchup against his old teammates he’ll probably never get motivated.
That Patriots-Cowboys game was always scheduled to go to 90% of the country on Fox. It’s “America’s NFC East Game of the Week”.
Sadly, Elliotts issues aren’t about motivation,lack of burst, struggle after contact and just plain old wear and tear are why this former pro bowl performer, Sadly, won’t have much of a impact on the 500 Patriots.
I think Elliot was motivated when he thought he was going to be the straw that stirred the drink in Dallas. Then Jerry threw a ton of cash at Dak and Zeke saw the writing on the wall. Not quite as motivated after that.
That’s going to bring down the RB tag price next year!
Not if the legendary “RB Summit” has anything to due with that…LOL!
Not a bad compliment piece. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Cook and Hunt sign shortly now.
Up until today, I really thought he would find his way back to Dallas. Maybe Zeke wanted no part of Dallas after release
And there goes Cook. Called it.
People might hate on this move, but he still has a good bit of value left. Nice pickup by the Pats.
6 Million for Zeke Elliott??? His agent deserves a Trophy.
Md, read the contract before you jump to conclusions that BB paid that much.
I like it, Zeke will be a nice addition in a rotational role.
Not bad money to be a pusher, and push the QB on 4th and short
Well… At least Zeke is used to not getting a ring…
Starting to question Bill Belichick’s judgement at this point. Elliott is mostly done. Although his blocking and his pass catching could help Mac Jones stay upright and feed out quick balls. Not as bad as I thought, from that angle.
Wait until year 4 of being an average, at best, HC is on display. Don’t forget his time in Cleveland as his apologist want you to.
Cmon now arty. Even your guy Joe Gibbs wouldn’t have had a chance of succeeding in Cleveland. It’s the NFL equivalent of a Florida sink hole.
Joe wouldn’t have taken the job then. No different than Bill declining the Jets job. Saw ownership was either in transition or didn’t care for it; I forget. Says that on the 30 for 30 ‘The 2 Bill’s’ w/ Parcells.