NFL rumors: Ex-Cowboys star Ezekiel Elliott’s struggle likely to get prolonged

Ezekiel Elliott was cut by the Dallas Cowboys and has yet to find a home. The former Pro Bowl running back hasn't signed with a new team yet and might not for a little while.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport believes Elliott may be prioritizing patience and may even wait until after the draft to sign with a new team. This would give him the opportunity to assess a team's depth chart before attempting to join them.

"I think Ezekiel Elliott will wait until after the draft to sign a deal" ~ @RapSheet

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Rapoport said on the Pat McAfee Show:

“The visits are interesting, because first of all, I do not know that he currently has a visit scheduled. I know there’s some interest. And the money’s going to be tough because, as you know, teams are not spending all the money now.

"He’s cut so it doesn’t factor into the compensation pick formula. But teams aren’t really spending a lot of money now, and at that position, there’s a lot of really good running backs in the draft. It seems like a really deep running back draft.”

He continued:

“He might take a visit over the next week or so. But a lot of times if you’re a veteran at that level, who’s done it for as many years as he has, you’re only taking a visit if there’s a deal. I think what might happen with Zeke is that he’ll wait until after the draft. And if someone doesn’t get the premium running back they want, he slides in there and fills the need. I think a lot of teams now are like 'we’re getting close to the draft, let me see what I get.'”

Elliott may be prioritizing patience, but NFL teams are, too. They're not exactly interested in spending big money on an aging running back when they might be able to get a solid one on a rookie contract in the draft.

Where will Ezekiel Elliott end up?

The former leading rusher in the NFL reportedly wanted to sign with either the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets or Cincinnati Bengals. There are also rumors the Cowboys haven't closed the door on him fully.

In all likelihood, the Cowboys seem like a more likely destination. If they draft Bijan Robinson, then they definitely will not sign Ezekiel Elliott, but the door isn't closed on a reunion if they don't land a running back to back up Tony Pollard.