NFL Rumors: AFC Powerhouse emerges as frontrunner to land Ezekiel Elliott
The Dallas Cowboys released veteran running back Ezekiel Elliott a few days ago. After being let go by the Cowboys, Elliott expressed interest in playing for not one but three different teams. The three teams were the Philadelphia Eagles, the New York Jets, and the Cincinnati Bengals and the Eagles were the most surprising of the three.
While initial reports suggested that both the Eagles and the Jets were not interested in signing Elliott, it seems like the Bengals are in for the former Cowboys running back. NFL Insider Jeremy Fowler indicated that Elliott could soon sign with the Bengals.
Here's what Jeremy Fowler said on ESPN's NFL Live:
"The Bengals, the Eagles and the Jets are preferred destinations for Ezekiel Elliott. So, talking to some teams and some people around the league, they believe the Bengals here could be looming large because I'm told they're looking to add a running back either free agency or the draft either to pair with Joe Mixon or if they were to move on from Mixon.
"They could save nearly $8 million in cap space. But I do expect the Bengals to make a move at some point and Elliott would sort of play into their their mold is wanting a power option running gamea and so you know, the Jets and some of these other teams, they have two or three backs.
"They have an identity there already. So you have Ezekiel Elliott and you have Kareem hunt, those are the top two options still available and Elliot seems more willing right now to sign here soon. Kareem Hunt is probably going to wait a little bit."
The Cincinnati Bengals have one of the best offenses in the league, and the addition of Ezekiel Elliott could help them. However, the former Dallas Cowboys running back needs to work on his game in the offseason, or else he won't feature much next season.
The Bengals, led by Joe Burrow, will compete for the Super Bowl once again next season, and they will be looking to avenge the AFC Championship Game's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs pretty soon.
The Bengals could be "looming large" in the market for Ezekiel Elliott 👀
"I'm told they're looking to add a RB ... either to pair with Joe Mixon or move on from Mixon." — @JFowlerESPN https://t.co/44GydITGdI
Ezekiel Elliott believes he can still contribute to a team
Despite Ezekiel Elliott's performance having dropped significantly over the years, the veteran running back believes he can still contribute to a team. If the Bengals are able to use him efficiently, then Ezekiel might be useful next season, but it will still be a major gamble for the AFC North squad.
Elliott's body has taken a lot of hits over the years due to his usage, and whether he can become a good player again in the future remains to be seen. Over the course of his career, he has had 1,881 carries for 8,262 yards, 305 catches for 2,336 yards, and scored 80 touchdowns.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit ESPN's NFL Live and H/T Sportskeeda.