Having been released from his contract last week, ex-Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott is one of the biggest names available on the 2023 free agent market.
The Cowboys released the two-time rushing champion in a cap-saving move, opting to move forward with 2022 team rushing leader Tony Pollard. The latter was given the franchise tag, and Dallas signed veteran Ronald Jones earlier this week as insurance.
On Thursday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Elliott has the Philadelphia Eagles, Cincinnati Bengals and New York Jets on his wish list of landing spots.
Schefter’s colleague, Bill Barnwell, made the case for Elliott to sign with a recent Super Bowl-winning team in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
“One year, $4 million with the Buccaneers. Here, he would be part of a split backfield alongside Rachaad White, who would serve as the team’s primary pass-catcher out of the backfield. Elliott would be an early-down runner and much-needed pass protection specialist for an offense currently expected to start Baker Mayfield or Kyle Trask at quarterback.
Tampa will likely move toward a more run-heavy approach after Tom Brady’s retirement, so it is going to need someone to rotate with White.”
The Bucs released former RB and playoff hero Leonard Fournette earlier this month, just one year after they handed him a three-year contract extension worth $21 million. White, who sits atop Tampa’s running back depth chart, had 481 rushing yards to go along with 50 receptions for 290 receiving yards and three total touchdowns last season.
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He may be past his prime, but Elliott is still productive as a rusher, pass-catcher and blocker. He had 876 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in 2022, and he’s just two seasons removed from a 1,002-yard season.
The Buccaneers had football’s worst rushing offense last season, and a player like Elliott can only help them improve in that department. With Tom Brady (retired) no longer in the picture, the Bucs may be keen on running the ball a lot more given the uncertainty at quarterback.
