Cowboys Ex Ezekiel Elliott Rumored to Sign with Bucs
The Dallas Cowboys have left the door open on a potential return of now-former running back Ezekiel Elliott this offseason less than two months after cutting him.
"That ship hasn’t sailed yet," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said after the draft. "We haven’t made a decision."
But wait too long to make a move, and other running back-hungry teams could beat out Dallas in the competition to (re)acquire the former No. 4 overall pick.
While numerous rumors have surfaced since his release, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers now appear to be the first team outside of Dallas to reportedly show real interest in Zeke, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. The Bucs could be looking to sign Elliott, pinning him into a role as a short-yardage back behind up-and-coming second-year running back Rachaad White.
Tampa Bay enters a slight rebuild after the retirement of Tom Brady and could use the veteran presence of Elliott on the offensive side of the ball. The team also cut another former first-round running back in Leonard Fournette who, like Elliott, appeared to be a victim of age and physical decline last season before being cut as well.
But Elliott could be an upgrade over Fournette if we're looking at last season's production alone. Though Fournette didn't have much help behind a depleted o-line and one of the worst rushing attacks in the league, his 3.5 yards per carry still left more to be desired from the former No. 4 overall pick in 2017.
Elliott's 3.8 yards per tote wasn't much better, but he made up for this with elite production in the red zone, a role he'll likely fill again should he sign with the Bucs. Despite posting a career-low rushing total (876), Zeke tied his second-most rushing touchdowns in a single season (12), which was also tied for the fourth-most in the league. He scored a touchdown in nine straight games.
Wherever he ends up, Elliott will likely be headed toward a cheap contract as he approaches age 28. But after doubt was setting in that he may not find a new home at all, his door of opportunity appears wide open.
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
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