5 Best Landing Spots for Ezekiel Elliott
Once viewed as the best running back in the league, Ezekiel Elliott is a free agent and will find himself a new team in 2023. There are probably two remaining, potentially elite, running backs left in free agency, those being Dalvin Cook and Elliott. Leonard Fournette and Kareem Hunt are also still available as well. However, both Elliott and Cook bring different skill sets, but are both dynamic playmakers.
With the draft being over, minicamps all set and in the doldrums of the NFL calendar, the remaining free agents might be waiting to see what injuries happen in training camp before signing. While technically in competition with Dalvin Cook for a job, I do believe Cook is more so looking for the primary back role, while Elliott is a little more okay with a running back by committee situation. This could make him slightly more attractive to more teams than Cook at this point. However, injuries always occur in training camp and that could change this narrative. Also in this discussion should be Leonard Fournette and Kareem Hunt, still looking for jobs. As time goes on, all of these guys will have to make sacrifices if they want to play in 2023.
Elliott has had a significant amount of wear and tear in his seven-year career amassing close to 2,000 carries. In his age-28 season, I do expect Elliott to have a few good seasons left in him. I am going to highlight what I believe to be the best landing spots for Elliott and analyze the potential fantasy impact for each team.
Los Angeles Chargers
Brand new offensive Coordinator now in Los Angeles Kellen Moore would have a great first idea on how to use Elliott. With that, LA might be a great landing spot for him. The only major downside to this paring is Austin Ekeler is the clear-cut number one running back. However, Elliott could have a great role as a touchdown vulture, taking the primary role in goal-line situations.
Being the touchdown vulture has catapulted many running backs in the past into fantasy football relevancy. While he may not have a significant amount of usage, Ekeler does have an injury history. Overall, Elliott going to the Chargers could be a great handcuff to Ekeler. Finally, the Chargers also have a good offense that would help Elliott maximize the plays he gets on the field.
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans present an intriguing landing spot for Elliott in 2023. Despite their recent struggles, the Texans offer Elliott an opportunity to assume a workhorse role in their backfield.
With rookie C.J. Stroud at quarterback, assuming he claims the starter role, and an interesting wide receiver depth chart, the Texans’ offense should be a bit of an unknown threat. This could open up the potential for Elliott to succeed.
While the offensive line may not be elite, Elliott’s ability to create his own yards would still allow for productive fantasy football outings. Additionally, the Texans’ coaching staff, with new head coach DeMeco Ryans and Offensive Coordinator Bobby Slowik, are going to have a conservative, ball-control style offense. Ideally, this would keep Elliott’s touches high and be nice for fantasy purposes. While the team’s overall situation may not be ideal, Elliott’s volume and involvement in the passing game would maintain his fantasy relevance.
Dallas Cowboys
Returning to the Dallas Cowboys, where Elliott has spent most of his career, could be a favorable landing spot for the running back. The Cowboys possess a formidable offensive line, which has consistently created running lanes for their backs. Furthermore, playing alongside Dak Prescott, one of the league’s top quarterbacks, would provide Elliott with numerous scoring opportunities.
Additionally, head coach Mike McCarthy’s offensive system emphasizes a balanced attack. Obviously, Elliott’s skill set fits seamlessly into the scheme. On top of that, the Cowboys boast a talented receiving corps, led by Brandin Cooks, Michael Gallup, and CeeDee Lamb. Not to mention, a running mate in Tony Pollard who has a diverse skill set. All of which would prevent opposing defenses from focusing solely on Elliott.
While he would never be the number one option in Dallas anymore, returning to the Cowboys would ensure Elliott’s fantasy relevance and maintain his status as a top-tier running back.
Kansas City Chiefs
Joining the Kansas City Chiefs would elevate Elliott’s fantasy football prospects to new heights. Playing alongside the electrifying Patrick Mahomes and operating within head coach Andy Reid’s innovative offensive system would be a dream scenario for any running back.
The Chiefs’ potent passing attack, spearheaded by Mahomes and his arsenal of weapons, would create ample opportunities for Elliott to exploit defenses. Furthermore, Reid’s ability to scheme his running backs into space and involve them in the passing game aligns perfectly with Elliott’s skill set.
Being in this Chiefs’ offense would also allow Elliott to have potentially fewer total plays on the field. However, that could lead to more effective usage while on the field. Overall, the Chiefs’ high-scoring offense and Elliott’s potential red-zone involvement make this landing spot an enticing one for fantasy football managers.
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings provide an intriguing landing spot for Elliott, with the potential for significant fantasy production. The Vikings cut ties with Dalvin Cook earlier this offseason, leaving Alexander Mattison and Ty Chandler as the top two backs. In the past, if Cook missed any time, Mattison proved to be decent in spot duty. However, being the lead back over a 17-game season, might not be optimal.
Furthermore, head coach Kevin O’Connell employed a motion-heavy, zone-run scheme in his first season last year. This would fit with Elliott rather nicely. Additionally, the Vikings have a solid offensive line and an efficient quarterback in Kirk Cousins. Not to mention, a dynamic pass catcher in Justin Jefferson, making it quite difficult for any opposition defenses to stack the box and should create running lanes for Elliott. O’Connell tends to pass the ball more than run, but the play-action game is dependent on an effective running game which should lead to a decent number of touches for Elliott.
As Elliott potentially moves on to a new team in 2023, his fantasy football value hangs in the balance. The Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, and Minnesota Vikings are all great landing spots for the talented running back. For fantasy purposes, I would personally love to see Elliott in a Chiefs uniform. In your dynasty fantasy football leagues, he might be worth acquiring cheap before he signs, if possible.
However, as a diehard member of the Bills Mafia, I can only hope he stays in the NFC.
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