Former Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott has signed with a new team.
The eighth-year former fourth overall pick agreed to terms with the New England Patriots on a one-year deal worth up to $6 million with a $3 million base salary on Monday.
The agreement was first reported by the NFL Network and confirmed by ESPN.
Elliott spent the first seven years of his NFL career with Dallas, earning 2016 Offensive Rookie of the Year and becoming the franchise’s third-leading rusher behind Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett. He currently has the second most rushing yards and rushing touchdowns and the fourth most total touchdowns among active NFL players.
The Cowboys signed him to a six-year contract extension in 2019 but released him after a less productive season and the emergence of Tony Pollard. Several teams had been rumored to be interested in Elliott’s services, including the Patriots, the New York Jets, and even a potential reunion with the Cowboys.
He visited New England last month and is expected to officially sign the deal on Tuesday and join the team for joint practices with the Packers in Green Bay this week.
While his total rushing yardage was a career-worst last season, Elliott still scored 12 touchdowns and fits well with the Patriots’ “backfield by committee” approach. Plus, he is an added veteran player for a team that has so many young players, both at the running back position and across the roster in general.
Elliott wore No.21 in Dallas but has decided to wear No.15, which he wore at Ohio State, in New England.
He will return to Dallas this season, as the Patriots are scheduled to play the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium during Week 4 (Oct. 1).
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EXTRA POINTS
— The Indianapolis Colts have named rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson the starter for Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills.
— The New York Jets have signed running back Dalvin Cook and activated running back Breece Hall from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
— Former Arkansas and NFL running back Alex Collins has died after a motorcycle crash.
