Former Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott is down to three options in free agency according to a report by ESPN’s Adam Schefter: the Bengals, Eagles and Jets.
Schefter’s reporting does not directly state that the Eagles have interest in signing Zeke. The Eagles already added to their backfield in free agency by signing Rashaad Penny to a one-year deal worth just $600,000 guaranteed.
The other running backs the Eagles have under contract include Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott (re-signed), Trey Sermon, and Kennedy Brooks.
Gainwell came on in the playoffs but is likely cut out to be a role player as opposed to a full-time lead back.
Elliott is a two-time All-Pro and has led the NFL in rushing yards in 2016 and 2018 and made three Pro Bowls during that stretch. He has spent his entire seven-year NFL career with Dallas, which took him with the No. 4 pick in the 2016 NFL draft.
Last season, Elliott posted career lows in rushing attempts (231), rushing yards (876), receptions (17) and receiving yards (92), though he did score 12 touchdowns on the ground.
The one area where Elliott does still provide value is in short-yardage situations. Leaning on Zeke in those situations, could lessen the load on QB Jalen Hurts when it comes to quarterback sneaks and such.
My best guess here is that the Eagles will not end up with Elliott. It’s possible they’re being included in this report as a means of Zeke’s camp trying to get the Bengals and/or Jets to sweeten their offers.
Photo courtsey of Bleeding Green Nation
