Ezekiel Elliott: 'Open' to New England Patriots Contract Extension
Could the New England Patriots bring back veteran running back Ezekiel Elliott for another season in Foxboro?
It is certainly a possibility as the 3-10 Patriots draw closer to the end of a downright disastrous season, considering the 28-year-old is getting another chance at being the No. 1 option in the backfield in the absence of Rhamondre Stevenson.
“It’s definitely been a good experience,” Elliott said about possibly re-signing with the Patriots. “I love playing with Rhamondre (Stevenson). I’ve loved this team. I love this city. So I think I’d be open to it.”
Dec 7, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New England Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium.
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The missed time for Stevenson could prove valuable for Elliott if he continues to perform as he did in Sunday's 21-18 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The former Dallas Cowboy put together his best performance to date, finishing with 140 total yards and a touchdown on 29 touches.
Elliott's lone score capped off the game's opening drive as quarterback Bailey Zappe found him wide-open in the flats for an 11-yard touchdown. It was the type of play that many remember Elliott making earlier in his career while with the Cowboys or when he was breaking onto the scene in college at Ohio State.
After his time in Dallas ended with many questioning how much gas he had left in the tank as his production slipped to a career-low 876 yards on 231 attempts in 15 games last season, Elliott has proven to be a serviceable No. 2 for the Patriots. The former first-round pick hasn't missed a game this season, playing in all 13 while totaling 497 yards and two touchdowns on 134 carries.
“I wasn’t planning on retiring [this offseason],” Elliot said. “I’ve got a lot of gas in the tank. Definitely felt good to have the performance I did last week.”
It is still unclear how long Stevenson will be sidelined with the high ankle sprain, and that is if the Patriots do not opt to shut him down for the season, a strong ending could be the audition Elliott needs to earn an extension in Foxboro.
Elliott and the Patriots will be in action next on Sunday as they host the Kansas City Chiefs. Kickoff inside Gillette Stadium is scheduled for 1 p.m. (EST).
