Ezekiel Elliott: The New England Patriots have signed veteran running back Ezekiel Elliott to a one-year contract, it was announced on Monday. The deal is worth up to $6 million, with a base salary of $3 million and a $1 million signing bonus.
Elliott, 28, spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Dallas Cowboys. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and was named the NFL rushing leader in 2016 and 2018.
However, he struggled in 2022, rushing for just 876 yards and averaging a career-low 3.8 yards per carry.
The Patriots are looking for a running back to replace Sony Michel, who signed with the Miami Dolphins in free agency. Elliott gives them a proven veteran who can be a featured back in their offense.
He is also a good receiver out of the backfield, which will be important in the Patriots’ pass-heavy attack.
Elliott is excited to join the Patriots and help them win a championship. “I’m looking forward to getting to work with this team and helping them win,” he said. “I know this is a great organization with a lot of tradition, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
The Patriots are hoping that Elliott can return to his Pro Bowl form in 2023. If he can, he will be a major addition to their offense and help them compete for a Super Bowl title.
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Incentives in Elliott’s Contract
The incentives in Elliott’s contract are designed to reward him for playing well and helping the Patriots win. They include:
- $1 million for rushing for 1,000 yards
- $500,000 for rushing for 1,200 yards
- $500,000 for making the Pro Bowl
- $500,000 for being named first-team All-Pro
If Elliott can reach all of these incentives, he will earn a total of $6 million in 2023. This would be a significant raise from his $15 million salary with the Cowboys in 2022.
Elliott’s Fit with the Patriots
Elliott is a good fit for the Patriots in a number of ways. He is a powerful runner who can grind out yards between the tackles. He is also a good receiver out of the backfield, which will be important in the Patriots’ pass-heavy attack.
Elliott is also a veteran who has been in the league for seven seasons. He has a lot of experience and knows what it takes to win. This will be valuable to the Patriots, who are trying to build a championship team.
The Patriots’ Running Back Depth Chart
With the addition of Elliott, the Patriots have a deep and talented running back group. They also have Damien Harris, Rhamondre Stevenson, and James White. This gives the Patriots a lot of options in the backfield and allows them to be creative with their play calling.
The Patriots are hoping that their running game can be a strength in 2023. With Elliott in the fold, they have the potential to have one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL.