Ezekiel Elliott has finally found a new home in the league.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the longtime Dallas Cowboys running back will sign a one-year contract with the New England Patriots.
The one-year deal could be worth up to $6 million with incentives. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN. It includes a $3 million base salary and a $1 million signing bonus.
Elliott has spent his entire career with the Cowboys, going No. 4 overall in 2016. He quickly became a fan favorite during his tenure in Dallas, starting 102 games over seven seasons. He led the league in rushing twice and racked up four 1,000-yard seasons.
Last year, however, he ran for a career-low 876 yards and averaged 3.8 yards per carry. His colossal six-year, $90 million contract with the team ran out, and the team released him earlier this summer. The Cowboys used the franchise tag on Tony Pollard this summer after failing to reach a long-term deal. Pollard is recovering from a broken fibula, but he’s expected to be ready to go by Week 1. The Cowboys brought in Ronald Jones last season, but he was suspended for two games for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substance policy.
Elliott has been homeless ever since. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones hinted at the possibility of a reunion earlier this month, but right now it’s off the table. The Cowboys will host the Patriots on Oct. 1, however, and Elliott will return to Dallas soon.
Elliott met with the Patriots last month. According to the Boston Globe. The Patriots are looking for a backup to starter Rammondre Stevenson this offseason, especially with Ty Montgomery’s recent injuries. The Patriots released James Robinson in June and also have Kevin Harris, Pierre Strong Jr., JJ Taylor and CJ Marable.
Elliott will now work alongside Stevenson this season. Stevenson, 25, rushed for a career-high 1,040 yards and scored six total touchdowns last season, his second in New England.
The Patriots missed the postseason last year for the second time in three years. They will officially open their season on September 10 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
