NFL rumors: Ezekiel Elliott already has 1 suitor, and it’s a terrible fit

The Cowboys are prepared to release running back Ezekiel Elliott, possibly into the outstretched arms of an NFC rival.

It took three months, but the Dallas Cowboys are finally thinking straight again. The Cowboys are emotionally ready to let go of running back Ezekiel Elliott to save roughly $10 million against the cap, and starting at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Elliott is free to negotiate with whatever team he chooses.

As to be expected, Elliott already has one suitor waiting outside his door, and it’s probably the most desperate of the bunch: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

According to Tampa insider Rick Stroud, the Bucs will be interested in bringing on Elliott once he’s released. The feeling is probably not mutual.

The Bucs ran their offense into the ground last season ranking last in the league in run-blocking and last in rushing yards per game (75.6).

With Elliott’s efficiency already waning, he would thrive best on a team with an already potent rushing attack, not to mention he likely doesn’t want to be fed balls from newly signed Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield.

Ezekiel Elliott receives doting interest from Tampa Bay Buccaneers in free agency

From Tampa’s perspective, bringing on an aging albeit talented running back like Zeke makes a lot of sense. With the glory days of Tom Brady behind them, Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask are not going to lead the franchise into playoff contention on the passing game alone, and they just released their top ball-carrier, Leonard Fournette.

Elliott could immediately slide into a workhorse back role and finally give the Bucs’ tame rushing attack some fangs, assuming the team’s O-line improves its run-blocking this upcoming season.

As a free agent, Elliott naturally holds the most leverage in choosing what team he wants to play for, and out of all his options, the Bucs just might be the worst.

A rebuilding, identity-less team in the NFC South trying to escape the shadow of the brief but triumphant Brady era. Thank you for your interest, next.

Elliott’s better off waiting to assess all his options and seeing if a more serious playoff contender will come around, like the Buffalo Bills or Los Angeles Chargers. As they say, never take your first offer.