New England Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott. Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Ex-Patriots RB speaks his mind about Ezekiel Elliott signing

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 8/22/23

How much Ezekiel Elliott has left in the tank was one of the more highly debated topics of the NFL offseason.

Now that he’s signed with the New England Patriots, it’s being debated whether he’s a good fit with Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien. Ex-Patriots running back Sony Michel is among those who are not only fans of the 28-year-old former No. 4 overall pick, but also believe he can be a difference-maker for New England.

Ezekiel Elliott looking good with the #Patriots

(: @Patriots) pic.twitter.com/zPzPRVWDUZ
— Brandon Loree (@Brandoniswrite) August 18, 2023

"Zeke, he’s one of the top backs in the league right now, still — to this day,” Michel said during a recent appearance on FanDuel TV’s "Up & Adams.” "I have this argument all the time: He’s still probably a top-seven running back. You know, a lot of people give him a lot of flak for what happened the past couple years. ‘He’s not the same Zeke.’ This dude’s going still for a 1,000 yards and he’s still not the same? … Now, he’s probably hungrier than ever on a different team (with a) fresh start.”

Although 2022 was the worst season of his career statistically (876 yards, 3.8 yards per carry), Elliott is still a serviceable NFL running back. He’s rushed for 1,000 or more yards in four of his seven seasons, and he’s scored double-digit touchdowns four times as well.

One aspect of practice that caught the eye: Notable uptick in work for RB Ezekiel Elliott behind Rhamondre Stevenson.

Specifically, Elliott as a pass-catcher out of the backfield.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 22, 2023

Elliott is joining a RB group that features 1,000-yard back Rhamondre Stevenson, Pierre Strong Jr. and Kevin Harris. His role could be similar to what it was last year in Dallas (playing a 1B running back used in goal-line situations and out of the backfield) without the pressure of coming in and being a lead back.

A three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, Elliott should provide a big boost for a Patriots rushing attack that ranked 24th in yards per game (106.6) and tied for the sixth-fewest rushing touchdowns (12).

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