At long last, Ezekiel Elliott's free agency is over.
Following a successful free agent visit with the Patriots, the former Dallas Cowboys running back inked a one-year, $6 million deal with New England, according to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.
In an interesting twist -- and one Zeke hinted at on social media earlier this offseason -- Elliott will ditch his No. 21 jersey for No. 15, which he donned at Ohio State.
The #Patriots are expected to sign former #Cowboys star RB Ezekiel Elliott to a 1-year deal worth up to $6M after his successful FA visit earlier in camp, per me and @TomPelissero. Some backfield help for NE and a new home for Zeke… who plans to rock his No. 15 from college. pic.twitter.com/LrdbpHp17h
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 14, 2023
Former Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott signs one-year deal with Patriots
As cool as it would've been to see Elliott join a contender, his options were limited amid a declining (plummeted) running back market.
The Patriots are a great landing spot, as he gets to play under arguably the greatest head coach in NFL history in Bill Belichick and serve as the team's short-yardage specialist behind starter Rhamondre Stevenson.
How much of Elliott's $6 million base salary is fully guaranteed remains to be seen, but all in all it's a solid deal for the two-time rushing champ.
For the Cowboys, this confirms they'll move forward with Tony Pollard as RB1 and will entrust either Rico Dowdle and Malik Davis as the backup.
If neither player impresses over the remainder of camp and preseason, perhaps then Dallas will peruse the market for a veteran. No matter what Jerry Jones told the media, a Zeke reunion never piqued the team's interest.
Patriots signing RB Ezekiel Elliott to 1-year deal worth up to $6M. (via @RapSheet + @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/34mkDxaWto
— NFL (@NFL) August 14, 2023
Elliott didn't have a fairytale ending with the Cowboys, but that seldom happens in the league, especially for running backs.
Over seven seasons in Dallas, Elliott racked up 8,262 rushing yards and 68 touchdowns, both of which rank third in franchise history. He's also fifth in team history in scrimmage yards, was a three-time Pro Bowler, a two-time rushing champ and finished third in MVP voting as a rookie in 2016.
Elliott is a Cowboys legend in every sense of the word and that's how he'll be remembered. Best of luck in New England, Zeke!