Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott. (Kirby Lee-USA Today Sports)
With the Cowboys cutting Ezekiel Elliott, let’s break down three teams that can help make the comeback in 2023.
After seven years as a franchise, the Dallas Cowboys launched running back Ezekiel Elliott. It will be designated as cutoff after June 1. The move will save the Cowboys nearly $11 million in space by 2023.
The 27-year-old is coming off a down year, posting career-lows in rushing yards (876) and yards per carry (3.8).
Elliott may not be in his All-Pro peak, but he still has the potential to contribute to an NFL team. Landing in the correct position will be key for the veteran.
Here are three teams he could return with in 2023.
Possible 2023 Ezekiel Elliott landing sites
3. Los Angeles Rams
Last season, the Los Angeles Rams struggled to manage football. They are tied for 27th in both yards per carry (4.0) and rushing yards per game (97.7).
The Rams currently have two running options: 2020 second-round draft pick Cam Akers and 2022 fifth-round draft pick Kyren Williams. During his first three seasons, Akers did not do enough to strengthen the linebacker position. He averages 4.2 yards per carry. For a brief moment, the team seemed to be turning to Williams as a top option. However, he only averaged 4.0 yards per carry and failed to record a single broken tackle as a rusher.
Both running backs are still young and have potential, but it could benefit the Rams to add a veteran. Elliott could be a good fit. It will provide them with physical hostility; He had 10 broken tackles last season. On top of that, Elliott’s two-year-old only averaged 2.1 yards after contact per rush.
However, did the Rams put Elliott in a position to succeed? Matthew Stafford is coming off a serious injury, and they don’t have an elite offensive line.
It’s an interesting gamble for both the Rams and Elliott.
