Hey there, I’m excited to share some news with you today. Rumors have been swirling around that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers may be in talks to potentially acquire Ezekiel Elliot from the Dallas Cowboys. As a huge Bucs fan, I can’t help but be thrilled at the prospect of adding a talented and proven running back to our already strong team. While nothing has been confirmed yet, it’s definitely something to keep an eye on in the coming weeks.
Ezekiel Elliot to Tampa Bay? Experts Weigh in on the Possibility
Rumors have been swirling around the NFL that running back Ezekiel Elliot could be on the move, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers being mentioned as a possible landing spot. Elliot, who has spent his entire career with the Dallas Cowboys, is one of the best running backs in the league, and would undoubtedly make a big impact on any team he joins. But is he a good fit for the Buccaneers? We talked to some experts to get their take on the possibility of Elliot coming to Tampa Bay.
The Pros of Acquiring Ezekiel Elliot
There is no doubt that Ezekiel Elliot is one of the most talented running backs in the NFL. In his four seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, he has rushed for over 5,400 yards and 40 touchdowns, and has also been a threat as a receiver out of the backfield. Bringing him to Tampa Bay would give the Buccaneers a dynamic running back who can make plays both on the ground and through the air. With Tom Brady at quarterback, Elliot could be an even more dangerous weapon, as defenses would have to account for both the passing and rushing threats.
In addition to his on-field abilities, Elliot would also bring a winning mentality to Tampa Bay. He was a key part of the 2016 Cowboys team that went 13-3 and won the NFC East, and has been to the playoffs twice in his career. With the Buccaneers looking to make a deep playoff run this season, Elliot’s experience could be invaluable.
The Cons of Acquiring Ezekiel Elliot
While Ezekiel Elliot is undoubtedly a talented player, there are some concerns about his fit with the Buccaneers. One of the biggest issues is his contract. Elliot signed a six-year, $90 million contract extension with the Cowboys last year, making him one of the highest-paid running backs in the league. The Buccaneers already have a lot of money tied up in their offense, with Tom Brady and Mike Evans both making big money. Adding Elliot to the mix could put a strain on the team’s finances, and could limit their ability to make moves in the future.
Another concern is Elliot’s off-field issues. He has been involved in a number of incidents during his time in the NFL, including a suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy in 2017. While he has stayed out of trouble since then, some teams may be hesitant to bring him on because of his history. The Buccaneers have a strong locker room culture, and may not want to disrupt that by bringing in a player with a checkered past.
Expert Analysis: Is Ezekiel Elliot a Good Fit for the Buccaneers?
To get a better sense of whether or not Ezekiel Elliot would be a good fit for the Buccaneers, we talked to a number of NFL experts and analysts. Here’s what they had to say:
“I think Ezekiel Elliot would be an excellent addition to the Buccaneers,” said former NFL running back and current ESPN analyst Damien Woody. “He’s a proven playmaker who can do it all on the ground and through the air. With Tom Brady at quarterback, he could be a big part of a high-powered offense that could win a lot of games.”
“I understand the appeal of bringing in a player like Ezekiel Elliot,” said Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk. “But I just don’t think it makes sense for the Buccaneers. They already have Ronald Jones and Leonard Fournette at running back, and while Elliot is better than both of them, I don’t think the upgrade is worth the cost. They would be better off using that money to shore up other areas of the team.”
“From a pure football standpoint, adding Ezekiel Elliot would be a no-brainer for the Buccaneers,” said former NFL lineman and current NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger. “But there are other factors to consider, like his contract and off-field issues. The Buccaneers already have a lot of money tied up in their offense, and they may not want to add another expensive piece. And while Elliot has stayed out of trouble for a while now, his past could still be a concern for some teams.”
The Verdict: Will Ezekiel Elliot End Up in Tampa Bay?
So, will Ezekiel Elliot end up in Tampa Bay? Ultimately, it’s hard to say. While he would undoubtedly make the Buccaneers a better team, there are some concerns about his fit with the team, both in terms of his contract and his off-field history. The Buccaneers may decide that they are better off sticking with Ronald Jones and Leonard Fournette at running back, and using their resources elsewhere. Or they may decide that the upgrade that Elliot would provide is worth the cost and the risk.
Regardless of whether or not they end up signing Ezekiel Elliot, the Buccaneers are in a good position heading into the 2021 season. With Tom Brady at quarterback and a talented roster around him, they have a real shot at making a deep playoff run. And if they do end up bringing Elliot on board, they could become an even more dangerous team, capable of competing with anyone in the league.
