The New England Patriots made a significant addition on Monday when free agent running back Ezekiel Elliott announced that he would be signing with them.
Elliott spent the last seven seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, and during that time, he was named to the Pro Bowl three times and the All-Pro First-Team once.
He made his announcement on social media, and he also announced that he will be wearing No. 15 for his new team.
One Five, all the way live ! @Patriots
— Ezekiel Elliott (@EzekielElliott) August 14, 2023
1️⃣5️⃣
— Ezekiel Elliott (@EzekielElliott) August 14, 2023
Elliott was the No. 4 pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, and as a rookie, he took the NFL by storm by running for 15 touchdowns and a league-high 1,631 yards.
He has gone over the 1,000-yard rushing mark four times, but last season, he started to show signs of wear and tear.
He averaged 3.8 yards per carry, which was the lowest such mark of his career, and it was a continuation of a decline in that category over the last few years.
In the meantime, Tony Pollard emerged as Dallas’ best backfield player by posting 1,007 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns while averaging 5.2 yards per carry.
Thus, the decision was made to release Elliott in March.
The AFC East has turned into a serious arms race, especially after the New York Jets, who already landed Aaron Rodgers, signed four-time Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook on Monday.
Elliott may not be what he was not too long ago, but he will give New England some added firepower while taking at least a little pressure off young quarterback Mac Jones.
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