New Report Emerges on Patriots-Ezekiel Elliott Reunion Chances

The New England Patriots bolstered their running back room when free agency opened on Monday, signing Antonio Gibson to a three-year, $11.25 million deal. With Gibson likely being the RB2 behind Rhamondre Stevenson this fall, it's not surprising that Patriots fans are wondering what that means for Ezekiel Elliott.

Unfortunately, those hoping to see the 28-year-old rusher brought back will likely be disappointed by the latest development.

Patriots Rumors: Ezekiel Elliott Free Agency

According to Boston Globe Sports' Christopher Price, NFL sources reveal that "the Patriots have not had conversations with running back Zeke Elliott." Price adds that things could change as the market shifts, but any hopeful Pats fans should avoid raising their hopes too much.

Even if Elliott wants to stay in New England, it's hard to imagine a deal happening at this point. In addition to Stevenson and Gibson, fellow RBs JaMycal Hasty, Ke'Shawn Vaughn, and Kevin Harris are all under contract for the 2024 season.

Besides, Elliott likely wants to be a part of a team where he'll see a fair amount of playing time. A lot of people doubted him heading into the 2023 schedule but he managed to prove them wrong, proving that he still has juice in the tank by racking up 642 rushing yards and 313 receiving yards with five total touchdowns on 235 touches.

The free-agent RB market is dwindling with each passing day, leaving time to tell when Elliott will find his next home. Perhaps he'll return to the Lone Star State after the Dallas Cowboys struck out on Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry while losing Tony Pollard to the open market.

Or maybe he'll do what he did last offseason and wait until later in the summer to find the perfect destination. After all, Elliott didn't sign with the Patriots until the middle of August.

For now, all the former Ohio State Buckeye can do is be patient.

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