Elliott was cut by Dallas this offseason after Tony Pollard emerged in 2022 as the team’s best running back. Per NFL Next Gen Stats, Pollard averaged 1.17 rush yards over expected per attempt, the second highest among running backs with at least 90 attempts.
Elliott, meanwhile, averaged 0.34 rush yards under expected per attempt, the sixth worst among qualifying running backs.
For the Patriots, Elliott represents a potential depth signing. New England’s had two players record at least 100 carries the past three seasons and head coach Bill Belichick has used a running back-by-committee approach multiple times throughout his tenure.
Rhamondre Stevenson should get the bulk of the carries, but Elliott would likely see a meaningful role. Former Patriots running back Damien Harris had 445 carries during the past three seasons and signed a one-year deal with the Bills this offseason.
The team’s depth at running back is a concern a week into training camp. Ty Montgomery, 30, is second on the unofficial depth chart. Pierre Strong Jr., Kevin Harris and J.J. Taylor round out the group. They have 80 NFL carries combined.
After failing to sign DeAndre Hopkins, New England is clearly still in the market for offensive playmakers. With the division rival Jets being the front-runner to sign Cook, the best free-agent running back available, the Patriots should sense even more urgency to stockpile weapons.
If Elliott signs with New England, his career could follow a similar arc to former Bengals and Patriots running back Corey Dillon.
Dillon played in Cincinnati his first seven seasons and had 1,865 carries, 8,061 yards and 45 touchdowns. Elliott was with the Cowboys for seven seasons and had 1,881 carries, 8,262 yards and 68 touchdowns.
When Dillon was traded to the Patriots at the age of 30, there were questions about how much he could give New England. At the time of the trade, the Associated Press described it as an attempt for Dillon “to resuscitate his career.” Sound familiar?
In Dillon’s first year in Foxborough, he rushed 345 times for 1,635 yards and 12 touchdowns. It turned out he had a lot to give.
Those gaudy numbers aren’t in Elliott’s future. However, like Dillon, he might not find a better place to extend his career than with the Patriots.
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
