(WEEI/WGR 550) - The New England Patriots are making a notable addition to their running backs room.
As first reported by NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, New England has signed former Dallas Cowboys star running back Ezekiel Elliott to a one-year deal worth up to $6 million.
The Patriots had been linked to Elliott for several weeks, and even hosted him for a free agent visit two weeks ago.
Elliott is coming off a down year in Dallas. Appearing in 15 games, the 28-year-old registered career lows in carries (231), rushing yards (876), yards-per-carry (3.8), receptions (17) and receiving yards (92), as he ceded more work to Tony Pollard. Elliott did still have 12 touchdowns on the ground, though, which was tied for the second-best mark of his career.
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Elliott spent his first seven seasons with the Cowboys and made three Pro Bowls in 2016, 2018 and 2019.
The Patriots were looking for more certainty to complement Rhamondre Stevenson in the running game, and now they've found it. Prior to signing Elliott, Stevenson's backups were unproven second-year backs Kevin Harris and Pierre Strong Jr. and pass-catching specialist Ty Montgomery.