Ezekiel Elliott has finally found a new home.
According to multiple reports, the former Dallas Cowboys star has reached a deal with the New England Patriots.
And the Boston media is going wild over the news, far beyond what you’d expect when a team signs a running back whose best days are behind him.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Elliott has agreed to a one-year contract worth $3 million, with a $1 million signing bonus. With performance incentives, the three-time Pro Bowl running back could earn up to $6 million.
Elliott himself confirmed the news, tweeting, “One Five, all the way live ! @Patriots.”
One Five, all the way live ! @Patriots
— Ezekiel Elliott (@EzekielElliott) August 14, 2023
Dallas released Elliott in March after seven seasons.
With the Patriots, Elliott immediately slides in as the backup behind starter Rhamondre Stevenson. The 28-year-old Elliott brings experience and a nose for the end zone. He rushed for 876 yards (3.8 yards per carry) and 12 touchdowns last season, but was clearly outperformed by backup Tony Pollard.
Boston sports media loves the signing, quickly filing reports on the signing and its impact. NBC Sports Boston’s Phil Perry listed five reasons it’s a great move for the Patriots. In short, “Rhamondre Stevenson can’t do it all,” “Elliott doesn’t fumble,” “Elliott is a short-yardage weapon,” and “Elliott understands how to pass-protect.”
The Patriots reportedly signed Ezekiel Elliott to a one-year contract on Monday.@PhilAPerry explains why the veteran running back is a solid fit for New England.https://t.co/wQIxln0zCB
— NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSBoston) August 14, 2023
The TV station ran a poll and in the first hour found 46% of respondents were “super excited” to have Elliott aboard.
How do you feel about the Patriots signing Ezekiel Elliott?
– Super excited
– Better than nothing
– He's toastVisit https://t.co/eLZAEtGRCZ to cast your vote ✍🏼
Watch Arbella Early Edition with @trenni at 6 p.m. ET to see the results 📺
— NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSBoston) August 14, 2023
WCVB tweeted, “Welcome to New England, Zeke Elliott!”
The #Patriots are adding a veteran running back to the roster, a player whose always looking for you to "feed him" the ball. Welcome to New England Zeke Elliott! pic.twitter.com/Vf7B1DHuQ6
— WCVB-TV Boston (@WCVB) August 14, 2023
In a town that has celebrated six Super Bowl championships in the past two decades, you wouldn’t think a signing like this would make such big waves in the media, but it did.
The Patriots are finally adding running back help, signing free agent Ezekiel Elliott. https://t.co/RFQVm5tTnf
— Boston Herald (@bostonherald) August 14, 2023
From Bleak to Zeke: How 'bout them Patriots!
No more running in circles: Patriots sign Ezekiel Elliott https://t.co/lpP2CUCStN pic.twitter.com/UToL3iTV2o
— Boston Dirt Dogs (@BostonDirtDogs) August 14, 2023
Ezekiel Elliott
Most TD's in the players first 7 seasons in NFL history
1. LaDainian Tomlinson – 129
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12. Ezekiel Elliott – 80 pic.twitter.com/gts9rpzjhP— Boston Sports Info (@bostonsportsinf) August 14, 2023
