Landing spots for the top 5 remaining NFL free agents in 2023
4. Ezekiel Elliott, RB
It’s kind of ridiculous that nobody has signed Ezekiel Elliott at this point. This guy was the fourth overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft and — as much as running backs can — lived up to his billing and hype as a top-five draft choice. Elliott is one of the most successful running backs in Dallas Cowboys history, which is saying something.
Has he been put through the ringer with all of his touches throughout his career? Sure, that’s fair. But at this point in the offseason, if you’re a team needing depth at the running back position, why are you letting other teams have the first shot at this guy?
Heck, I wouldn’t be shocked if the Dallas Cowboys maybe make him an offer to come back, although I’m not so sure that ship hasn’t just sailed away.
Perhaps there’s a reunion in the works with Ezekiel Elliott and his former OC Kellen Moore, who is now a member of the Los Angeles Chargers’ coaching staff. Of course, the Chargers have Austin Ekeler in their backfield but as we know, he’s requested a trade this offseason. To this point, that request hasn’t been granted, but even if Ekeler stays, I could see Elliott being a nice pairing there.
How about the Denver Broncos? Javonte Williams’ status this coming season is slightly in question after a major knee injury suffered early on last season. He’s recovering, and while he does, the top back in Denver is Samaje Perine.
With all due respect to Perine, if Sean Payton wants to go heavy in running the football and have multiple backs who can carry the load, a player like Elliott will almost become a necessity the longer the offseason goes along.
Landing spots:
- Denver Broncos
- Dallas Cowboys
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Cincinnati Bengals