Veteran running back Ezekiel Elliott won’t return to the Dallas Cowboys after all. Elliott instead decided to sign a one-year deal with the New England Patriots, according to multiple reports.
Reportedly, Elliott will receive $3 million in base salary for 2023 alongside a $1 million signing bonus. He can earn up to $6 million through incentives.
Elliott was released by the Cowboys earlier this year after spending seven years with the franchise. The move was financially motivated as Dallas received $10.9 million in salary cap relief. There were rumors that the 28-year-old player might end up re-joining the team on a less expensive contract, but Elliott ended up choosing to get a fresh start with the Pats.
The Patriots still haven’t made the move official, although Elliott already confirmed the news on his social media.
Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 8,262 yards and 68 touchdowns during his time with the Cowboys. He made three Pro Bowls since being taken fourth overall in the 2016 NFL Draft and has two All-Pro nods.
The Patriots were on the market for a running back in recent weeks, wanting to get an experienced veteran behind their projected starter Rhamondre Stevenson. Elliott fits the bill and is expected to be the team’s No. 2 option at the position moving forward. He will likely benefit from New England’s habit of sharing the workload between their top running backs.
