5 teams who should trade for Ezekiel Elliott this offseason

The Patriots’ running back rotation is unpredictable on a weekly basis, as game-plans, injuries and being in Bill Belichick’s doghouse for making mistakes enter the equation. In some capacity, trading for Elliott in the offseason would reek somewhat of Corey Dillon circa 2004.

The Patriots have Sony Michel and Damien Harris under contract next year, as Rex Burkhead and James White hit free agency. With plenty of cap space for 2021 ($61.6 million projected right now, per Over The Cap), a pursuit of a true, proven lead back come the offseason can’t be ruled out.

It’s an easy refrain, but the Patriots can’t ever be ruled out when a big-name player is available (in theory or otherwise). The commitment to Elliott wouldn’t have to be for more than next year, and even a more likely two-year commitment wouldn’t be horrible.

The Patriots will have the ability to reload quickly in the offseason, which feels like part of a well-calculated plan by Belichick to punt on 2020 without fully tanking. Allocating major assets to a veteran running back is generally not good business, but Elliott and New England are an interesting fit from a broad view.