Former Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott has listed the New York Jets as one of three teams he’d like to play for in 2023
While rumors of Odell Beckham Jr. potentially signing with the New York Jets continue to circulate, another aging superstar is reportedly considering playing for the team in 2023.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, former Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott “has narrowed down his options about where to play to the Eagles, Jets, and Bengals”. A decision is expected by the end of next week, per Schefter.
Cowboys’ RB Ezekiel Elliott has narrowed down his options about where to play to the Eagles, Jets and Bengals, and he would like to make his decision about where to sign by the end of next week, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 23, 2023
The Cowboys cut Elliott on March 15 instead of electing to make him a post-June 1 cut, which would have saved them nearly an extra $6M. Things had been quiet on the frontier for Zeke and his future, until now.
Between splitting reps with Tony Pollard and dealing with a myriad of injuries, Zeke had the worst season of his career in 2022. Wear and tear have taken their toll on the seven-year pro, but he could still have value as an early-down and goal-line back. The question is, does his body still have the ability to produce in those roles?
Although the Jets re-signed Ty Johnson today, the Jets need another playmaker in the backfield. While Michael Carter is a fan favorite, he’s not built to be a three-down RB in the NFL.
Elliott has proven himself to be a workhorse back with the ability to produce despite playing through some serious injuries. With Breece Hall making his return from an ACL injury and possibly playing at less than 100% to start the season, the Jets need a complement to Carter and the rest of the RBs in the backfield.
Elliott to the Jets could make a lot of sense – for the right price. If the Jets’ intentions are to go “all-in” for 2023, building a “super team” could be their best chance at a Super Bowl. That could mean players like Elliott or Beckham would take their talents to New York at a discounted price for a chance for a title, which is something we’ve seen happen in the NBA for over a decade.
The former first-rounder has the pedigree. If the price is right and health is truly not a concern, it would make a lot of sense for the Jets to sign him.
Is this article on a word count or something? I am waiting to find out why Elliot makes sense for the Jets. Aside from the dismissal of Carter, who I don’t believe should be dismissed, there are four other backs already competing for roster spots (3 HB, 1 FB). Leaving Bawden aside, I’m not sure Elliot has much of an argument to supercede any of them.
There would have to be a trade for Carter in the works for this to begin to make sense, and depending on what that trade returns, well, that might be fine. As it is today though I am looking forward to seeing Carter break a lot of tackles on flat routes this season.