NFL

Free agent Ezekiel Elliott set to visit Patriots as running back market heats up

The Patriots are adding another big name to the list of free agent running backs they have an interest in.

They’ll be hosting free agent Ezekiel Elliott for a visit on Saturday, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.

This will be the first known visit that the running back has had with a team since being released by the Cowboys in March, according to ProFootballTalk.

New England also reportedly has Dalvin Cook on its radar as an addition behind expected starter Rhamondre Stevenson

Elliott and Cook are two of the best on the market, and Cook will be paying the Jets a visit on Saturday.

It was once thought Dallas would bring back Elliott under a lower salary, but that has seemed less likely in the past few months and he has since made a three-team wish list that includes the Jets, Bengals and Eagles.

However, none of these teams appeared to have mutual feelings toward the move.

Free agent Ezekiel Elliott will be visiting the Patriots on Saturday as a free agent after he was released by the Cowboys in March after seven seasons.
Free agent Ezekiel Elliott will be visiting the Patriots on Saturday as a free agent after he was released by the Cowboys in March after seven seasons. Getty Images

Wherever Elliott’s next landing spot is, it will be his second team in his seven-year NFL career.

The three-time Pro Bowler had been with the Cowboys since he was drafted in 2014 by the team in the first round as the fourth overall pick.

Ezekiel Elliott carries the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Levi's Stadium.
Ezekiel Elliott carries the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Levi’s Stadium. Getty Images

No season has surpassed his rookie year, though, where he racked up 1,631 yards for 15 touchdowns while averaging 108.7 yards per game.

Elliott, 27, hit a career-low 876 yards last season for 12 touchdowns and was a part of the Cowboys’ weird season-ending game in the divisional playoff round against the 49ers, where he played center in the final play that posed no threat to the 49ers’ 19-12 lead.

Tony Pollard will be Dallas’ unquestioned lead back this season.