Getty Image / Tom Pennington
After being cut by the Dallas Cowboys earlier this month, former Pro Bowl running back Ezekiel Elliott is in search of a new home for the first time in his NFL career.
According to a recent report from ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, Zeke has narrowed down his options to three teams, two in the AFC and one in the NFC: the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, and Cincinnati Bengals. Schefter also reports that Elliott plans to make his decision “by the end of next week.”
During his final year in Dallas, Elliot had the fewest number of carries (231), yards (876), receptions (17), and receiving yards (92) that he’s had in his entire career. He still rushed for 12 touchdowns, though, which is the second-highest mark he’s had in his career.
While reports from last week indicated that the Buffalo Bills were in the running for Elliott’s services, Schefter didn’t mention them as one of the teams still in contention.
Over the course of his seven-year NFL career, Elliott has carried the ball 1,881 times for 8,262 yards and 68 touchdowns. His best season came during his rookie year back in 2016 when he rushed 322 times for 1,631 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Despite where he plays, likely as a backup, Elliott already knows what jersey number he plans on wearing as he tweeted on Thursday afternoon that he “wants his #15 back.”
I want my #15 back
— Ezekiel Elliott (@EzekielElliott) March 23, 2023
Notably, all three teams that Elliott is considering are projected to be title contenders this season, as they are all in the top seven when it comes to next season’s Super Bowl betting odds.
Although Elliott may still be just 27 years old (he’ll turn 28 before the start of next season), he’s far from the player he once was, with one NFL GM recently saying that he “doesn’t have the same juice or legs,” according to reporter Matt Lombardo.
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