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Patriots expected to sign Ezekiel Elliott to one-year contract

Nick Profile Picby:Nick Geddes•08/14/23•

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Ezekiel Elliott
Kevin Jairaj/USA TODAY Sports

Ezekiel Elliott finally has a new home. The running back, whom the Dallas Cowboys released earlier this offseason, is expected to sign with the New England Patriots after a successful free agent visit during training camp.

Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, it will be a one-year, $6 million deal for Elliott, who plans to wear No. 15 — the same number he wore at Ohio State. Adam Schefter of ESPN added specifics to the deal, reporting that Elliott will receive a $3 million base salary, a $1 million signing bonus and can earn up to $6 million in incentives.

Elliott confirmed the signing on Twitter.

Elliott, 28, rushed for 8,262 yards and 68 touchdowns on 4.4 yards per carry over seven seasons in Dallas. Elliott, however, regressed in 2022. He suited up in 15 games, recording career lows across the board. Elliott rushed for 876 yards on 3.8 yards per carry and had zero 100-yard-plus games. He added 17 receptions for 92 yards. The Cowboys cut ties with Elliott entering year five of a six-year contract extension he signed in 2019.

Ezekiel Elliott to form one of the best NFL RB tandems in New England

After sharing duties with Tony Pollard last season, Elliott will serve as the backup to Rhamondre Stevenson in New England. Stevenson is coming off a season in which he rushed for 1,040 yards and five touchdowns on 5.0 yards per carry. Elliott’s role will be to help spell Stevenson, who saw 66 percent of New England’s offensive snaps last season, accumulating 279 touches in the process.

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Together, they form one of the best running back tandems in the NFL and figure to be the focal point of offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien’s offense in 2023. Elliott will also be of service to quarterback Mac Jones in pass protection — an area he shined at with Dallas.

Behind Stevenson and Elliott, the quartet of Ty Montgomery, Pierre Strong, Kevin Harris and J.J. Taylor will battle for spots on the 53-man roster.