The market for free agent running back Ezekiel Elliott has been slow to develop this offseason. He has been free to negotiate with teams since the Dallas Cowboys designated him as a post-June 1st cut, but he has yet to receive much interest.
Earlier in the offseason, Ezekiel Elliott shared that he was down to three teams to sign with, but that turned out to be more of a wish list. To this point, he has yet to receive a contract offer but has been linked to the New England Patriots, New York Jets and Cowboys as potential landing spots.
Vincent Frank of Sportsnaut believes that another team will emerge as a suitor for Ezekiel Elliott, predicting that the Los Angeles Chargers will ultimately be where he lands. It is easy to connect the dots there, as he would reunite with former Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore in Hollywood.
“We like former Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and the Los Angeles Chargers as a fit. While Austin Ekeler’s contract situation has been worked out, adding a short-yardage option to go with the catch-first back makes sense.”
Austin Ekeler has been a touchdown machine in recent seasons, but his biggest impact comes as a pass catcher. While capable of handling a lead-back role, if the Chargers want to keep him fresh, having a veteran such as Ezekiel Elliott in the mix would be smart.
The Ohio State product has seen his explosiveness and athleticism sapped in recent seasons. Injuries have played a part, as his yards per game average has decreased every season he has been in the NFL.
But, as a short-yardage back working between the tackles, Ezekiel Elliott could still be effective. He has scored 24 rushing touchdowns in the last two seasons combined and does offer some third-down capabilities as well as a pass protector and receiver.
Some thunder to the lightning of Ekeler would make a lot of sense for the Chargers. Adding an experienced veteran to the mix would be smart as well as Joshua Kelley and Isaiah Spiller are behind Ekeler on the depth chart. In their careers, they have 231 carries; Ezekiel Elliott has recorded at least that many in all seven seasons he has played in the NFL.
