Ezekiel Elliott was the fourth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft and has been an impactful player for the Dallas Cowboys ever since.
However, he will be 28 years old to begin the 2023 NFL season, a time when many running backs often drop off in production.
Elliott was recently released from the Cowboys and is seeking employment elsewhere.
After this release, many NFL analysts are skeptical of his value moving forward.
On a recent episode of Get Up, Harry Douglas commented that Elliott is no longer a “difference maker.”
.@HDouglas83 doesn’t believe Ezekiel Elliott is a “difference maker” anymore 😳 pic.twitter.com/GF7hsz3nw5
—Get Up (@GetUpESPN) March 24, 2023
Elliott appeared in 15 games in 2022, amassing 876 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, and added in 17 receptions for 92 yards.
By all statistical accounts, this was the worst season of Elliott’s career.
He saw career lows in rushing yards, receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.
His touchdown total was the lone bright spot, as 12 touchdowns are tied for the second-most in a season in his career.
Was 2022 the beginning to the end for Elliott?
He was once on top of the running back mountaintop, leading the league in rushing yards in 2016 and 2018.
Even though Elliott was productive from a touchdown perspective in 2022, 3.8 yards per carry was also the lowest mark in his career.
Efficiency is one of the most sought-after metrics for a running back, something that Elliott didn’t demonstrate last year.
If Elliott does join a new team for the 2023 season, it will likely be on a significantly reduced contract, given his age.
Likely, Elliott will make his way to a contender who is looking for a veteran piece in search of a Super Bowl run.
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