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NY Post
New York Post
23 Mar 2023


NextImg:Jets among Ezekiel Elliott’s final three teams after Cowboys release

Ezekiel Elliott has his eye on the Jets.

Recently cut by the Cowboys, Elliott has narrowed his list of suitors to the Jets, Bengals and Eagles, according to an ESPN report.

The two-time NFL rushing leader was set to count $16.9 million against the salary cap, including a $10.9 non-guaranteed million salary, before he was released.

But the current state of the running back market indicates he will have to settle for much less.

The Jets are in the market for a veteran power back to complement Breece Hall and third-down pass-catching speedster Ty Johnson, who re-signed a one-year deal Thursday afternoon.

Hall is coming off a season-ending torn ACL but thinks he will be ready to go in time for training camp.

Cue the wisecracks about how Elliott – whose final play with the Cowboys was snapping the ball on a busted trick play in a playoff loss to the 49ers – could really add to the Jets’ biggest need by playing center.

Ezekiel Elliott was released by the Cowboys in March 2023.
Getty Images

In reality, however, Elliott — who turns 28 in July — rushed for a career-low 3.8 yards per carry and caught a career-low 17 passes in 15 games (14 starts) last season as 1,000-yard rusher Tony Pollard emerged.

The Cowboys elected to franchise tag Pollard and move on from Elliott.

The Giants’ Saquon Barkley and the Raiders’ Josh Jacobs also were tagged – and those three one-year, $10.1 million contracts look unexpectedly player-friendly compared to how the free-agent running back caved in.

Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) hurdles over Lions safety DeShon Elliott in an October 2022 game.

Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) hurdles over Lions safety DeShon Elliott in an October 2022 game.
AP

If Elliott is chasing a Super Bowl ring, the Bengals and Eagles are top contenders.

The Jets entering that group is part of the “Aaron Rodgers Effect” that might also attract veteran receiver Odell Beckham Jr., and reunite some of the biggest stars from the 2016 NFC Pro Bowl roster.

Of course, the issue with Elliott will be his salary demand.

Will he want to be paid like the star he was, or like the complementary back he is expected to be?

    The Panthers’ Miles Sanders (four years, $25 million) received the top free-agent contract for a running back, creating the need for the Eagles.

    The Saints’ Jamaal Williams (three years, $12 million) received even less after leading the NFL with 18 rushing touchdowns for the Lions last season.