NFL Rumors: Ezekiel Elliott Pursued by Jets, Cowboys; Patriots 'Highly Interested'

The Dallas Cowboys have not closed the door on an Ezekiel Elliott return just yet.

Jeff Howe of The Athletic reported the Cowboys, New England Patriots and New York Jets are among the teams interested in signing the three-time Pro Bowler, who has been a free agent since being released by Dallas in March.

The Jets' interest is likely contingent on their pursuit of Dalvin Cook, who visited their training camp late last month. Cook did not reach a contract with the Jets after the visit, but New York appears to be the leader in the clubhouse.

Elliott visited Patriots camp last weekend but likewise left without a contract. New England is the first team to host Elliott since his release and is "highly interested" in him, per Howe.

The continued free agency of Elliott, Cook, Leonard Fournette and Kareem Hunt is a direct result of the market squeezing middle class running backs. Elliott is not one of the sport's most dominant backs at age 28, but he's coming off an 876-yard, 12-touchdown season. There are far worse backs littered across the NFL—just ones who will fill roster spots on the cheap.

Elliott, who has made $70.7 million in career earnings, is unlikely to agree to a deal that pays him any less than $3 million to $4 million for the 2023 season. Most teams would rather take their chances on a six-figure backup breaking out than paying a declining veteran critical cap space.

The Cowboys are paying backup Malik Davis just $870,000, and the Patriots don't have a single back counting for more than $1.1 million on their cap. Second-year back Breece Hall is the Jets' highest-paid running back, counting for $2.1 million against the cap.

It's possible, if not likely, Elliott and Hunt in particular will have to wait for an injury to find an offer and a role worth taking. Cook has been far more sought-after since his release from the Vikings but has been patient in selecting his next team.