Ezekiel Elliott speaks on importance of running backs in Patriots offense

Ezekiel Elliott, after more than four months away from the NFL, says he found himself attracted to the Patriots because of how the team uses its backs.

Plus, coach Bill Belichick had upended the offense in the off season, hiring new coordinator Bill O’Brien and line coach Adrian Klemm. The changes made the Patriots attractive to Elliott, who earned two NFL rushing titles when he played for the Cowboys.

Elliott spoke with an in-house reporter for the Patriots. And she asked him why New England?

“The importance of the back in this offense,” Elliott said. “This is definitely a team that wants to run the ball and wants to be balanced.”

The Patriots likely will continue to start former Oklahoma Sooner Rhamondre Stevenson. He gained 1,040 yards in 2022, his second season with New England. But with the Patriots desiring balance, they’ll have a need for Elliott, especially on third down or short-yardage situations. He may not have the legs (or knees) to be a primary back, but he can contribute.

So far, he’s enjoyed his time in Foxboro. When the Patriots signed Elliott, he immediately went to Wisconsin for New England’s joint practices with the Packers.

“It feels good,” Elliott said, when asked if his new place feels comfortable yet. “Been at home for a while so it feels good to get back to ball, get out there, get on the field, and play the game I love.”

Zeke is finally in Foxboro.

1-on-1 with @EzekielElliott. pic.twitter.com/XxKyWVH9b2

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 23, 2023

The Cowboys released Ezekiel Elliott back in March. His career yardage ranks third in team history behind two Pro Football Hall of Famers — Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett. But his contract became too expensive to keep. The Cowboys put the franchise tag on Tony Pollard with the $10.1 million annual salary. At the same time, they let go of Elliott’s $10 million-plus.

Elliott took a major pay cut to stay in the game. He could receive as much as $6 million this season, but the deal is loaded with incentives. Pro Football Talk reported Elliott’s contract starts with a base salary of $1.55 million along with a $600,000 signing bonus. And right off the bat, his base salary drops by $500,000 if he suffers a season-ending injury before Sept. 10, the season opener.

It is all about staying healthy. He’ll earn a bonus of $50,000 for every game he’s on the active roster. If he plays in at least half the snaps this season he’ll receive $300,000. There are benchmarks based on snap percentages. Hitting them all means another $1.5 million.

He’s also wearing No. 15, just like he did at Ohio State. So it’s mostly a new start in a new time zone, climate and, of course, a new conference.

“It’s been a lot of fun,” Ezekiel Elliott said. I think I’ve been getting along well with the team. I’ve known Rhamondre for a couple years or so. It’s nice having him in the running back room. I think I’ve been a good fit and I’ve been having fun.”