We’re nearly two months into the new league year, and Ezekiel Elliott remains without a team.
The Dallas Cowboys cut their longtime, but expensive, running back this offseason following the emergence of Tony Pollard. For a while, Pollard had been threatening Elliott’s role as Dallas’ top back, but he really took hold of it in 2022.
It’s not so much that Elliott can’t contribute anymore, his contract simply became an albatross relative to his usage and productivity. With a more efficient and cost-effective option in Pollard, Elliott became a cap casualty.
It’s unlikely at this point he’d sign with a team and immediately become their bellcow, but he should get an NFL opportunity and continue to be a meaningful contributor on some level.
One team that would make sense is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs seem excited about the potential of 2022 third-rounder Rachaad White, who is in line to get the most carries this season. But with the door seemingly closed on a Leonard Fournette reunion, the Bucs have a running back room that lacks a proven No. 1.
Tampa Bay Times Bucs insider Rick Stroud told The Morning Shift on 92.9 The Game that he can see a fit with Elliott and the Bucs.
“I think there is a role for him on this roster because they’ve got Rachaad White, who is going to be their RB1," Stroud said. "He’s a bigger guy, explosive, they’re really excited to see what he can do – especially when (Dave) Canales puts a more outside zone running scheme there.
“After that, they’ve got a bunch of guys who are sort of third down backs, whether it’s Chase Edmonds or KE'Shawn Vaughn. What they really could use though is a short-yardage guy and a guy that has the veteran experience.
“They lost Leonard Fournette … but when you think about what Zeke is now, he can do everything. He’s a ferocious blocker, he’s good in short yardage, and his numbers are down simply because he’s not going to get the carries and the attempts, but he still had (12) touchdowns last year.”
There’s also a noteworthy connection, too, as Elliott’s former running back coach with the Cowboys, Skip Peete, now holds that job in Tampa.
But Elliott is coming off a monster deal, and teams aren’t going to go near that salary. He’ll have to take a paycut, and probably a significant one.
“We talked to Skip (Peete) the other day and that’s what he said," Stroud said. "He said the reason (Elliott is) not on a roster now is he’s been a $12 million running back and he has to accept the fact that he’s probably a $4 million running back and who’s gonna tell him? Well, I think the league will tell you that. …
“I think there’s a role for him on any roster, but it’s going to be come down is he willing to accept not just the role, but also the money that does not come with it.”
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