Buccaneers Still Being Linked to Dallas Cowboys Free Agent Running Back
Former Dallas Cowboys' running back, Ezekiel Elliott, is still in the free agent market after being released by his former team in March. Thus far, Zeke hasn't had much traction in finding his new home, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been linked to the free agent as well has the opportunity to return to the Big D, rejoining the Cowboys.
On an episode of SportsCenter on Saturday, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that a return to Dallas for Zeke "is still on the table", but also noted that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be a potential destination for the three-time Pro Bowler.
"The Bucs could be an option for him," Fowler said. "I'm told they're looking for an RB2 behind Rachaad White. The problem could be the money. ... Bucs probably wouldn't want to spend all that much, but could be an option there."
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A return to Dallas seems far-fetched at the moment as the Cowboys look towards Tony Pollard to lead their backfield. The Cowboys also added Kansas State running back Deuce Vaughn in the 2023 NFL draft, so it seems that Zeke's options are becoming more narrow as time passes.
As for the Buccaneers, they may not have a ton of money to throw Elliott's way, but there definitely is an opportunity to cement himself as the team's No. 2 back if he does indeed sign with Tampa Bay. Currently, the Bucs have Rachaad White, Chase Edmonds, Ke'Shawn Vaughn, Patrick Laird, Sean Tucker, and Ronnie Brown as the running backs on the roster. None, outside of White, have yet to stake a claim to being or becoming a true secondary back in the NFL.
White is the clear-cut favorite to lead the Bucs in snaps from the RB position, but at this point it seems the Bucs' run game will be by committee following White. Adding in a veteran such as Zeke would help the room become more solid as a whole and maybe could even see Zeke rebound after a few down years in Dallas that saw him be eased out by up-and-comer Tony Pollard.
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Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2023 offseason.
