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| Image by Dallas morning news |
The NFL offseason is always an exciting time for fans, with teams making moves to improve their rosters ahead of the upcoming season. One of the biggest stories of the 2023 offseason has been the Dallas Cowboys' decision to release star running back Ezekiel Elliott. With Elliott now a free agent, many teams are lining up to try and secure his services, and one team that has emerged as a potential landing spot is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Buccaneers are coming off a historic season, winning Super Bowl LV in convincing fashion over the Kansas City Chiefs. Led by superstar quarterback Tom Brady, the Bucs boasted one of the most explosive offenses in the league, but one area where they struggled was in the running game. While the team had some success with Ronald Jones II and Leonard Fournette, neither player was able to consistently produce the way the team needed.
That's where Ezekiel Elliott comes in. Despite a down year in 2022, Elliott is still one of the most talented running backs in the league. He has rushed for over 1,000 yards in three of his five seasons in the NFL and has proven to be a workhorse back who can carry the load for an offense. His ability as a receiver out of the backfield also makes him a valuable weapon in the passing game, something that could be particularly appealing to the Buccaneers.
Of course, there are some potential hurdles that would need to be cleared before the Buccaneers could sign Elliott. First and foremost is the matter of his contract. Elliott is coming off a six-year, $90 million deal with the Cowboys, and it's unclear what kind of contract he'll be seeking as a free agent. The Buccaneers have some salary cap limitations to consider, so they would need to be creative in order to make a deal work.
Another potential issue is Elliott's off-field behavior. While he's been mostly clean during his time in the NFL, he did serve a six-game suspension in 2017 for violating the league's personal conduct policy. The Buccaneers have a reputation for taking chances on players with checkered pasts (see Antonio Brown), but they'll still need to weigh the risks and benefits of signing Elliott.
Assuming the Buccaneers are able to work out a deal with Elliott, he would instantly become a key piece of their offense. With Brady under center and a talented group of receivers led by Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, the Buccaneers are already a dangerous team through the air. Adding a player of Elliott's caliber to the mix would make them even more difficult to defend.
One thing that could make Elliott an especially good fit in Tampa Bay is his versatility. While he's primarily known for his work as a runner, Elliott is also a skilled receiver out of the backfield. That's an area where the Buccaneers could use some help, as neither Jones nor Fournette are known for their receiving ability. By giving Brady another reliable pass-catching option, the Buccaneers could take their offense to another level.
All in all, it's easy to see why the Buccaneers are reportedly interested in signing Ezekiel Elliott. He's a proven commodity in the NFL and has the potential to be a game-changer for any team he joins. If the Buccaneers are able to work out a deal with him, they could be even more dangerous in 2023 than they were during their Super Bowl-winning campaign in 2022.
Beyond the potential on-field impact, there are a few other reasons why Elliott could be a good fit in Tampa Bay. For one, he's a proven winner. During his time with the Cowboys, he helped lead the team to two NFC East titles and a trip to the playoffs. That kind of experience could be valuable to a Buccaneers team that's looking to defend its Super Bowl title and make another deep postseason run.
Additionally, Elliott is known for his work ethic and dedication to the game. He's a player who takes his training and preparation seriously, which could make him a good fit with a Buccaneers team that values hard work and attention to detail. Given the team's success in 2022, it's clear that their approach is working, and bringing in players like Elliott who share those values could help them continue to build on that success.
Of course, there are still plenty of unknowns when it comes to Elliott's future. While the Buccaneers have emerged as a potential landing spot, they're not the only team that's interested in him. Other teams that could be in the mix include the Miami Dolphins, who are looking to add some offensive firepower, and the Seattle Seahawks, who could use an upgrade at running back.
Ultimately, it will be up to Elliott to decide where he wants to play next. He's still just 27 years old and has plenty of good football left in him, so there's no doubt that he'll have plenty of suitors as a free agent. If he does end up in Tampa Bay, though, it's easy to see how he could make an already-dangerous offense even more potent. With Brady at the helm, anything is possible, and adding a player like Elliott to the mix could make the Buccaneers the team to beat in 2023.
In conclusion, Ezekiel Elliott's release from the Dallas Cowboys has sparked a frenzy of interest from teams around the league, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers emerging as one of the top potential landing spots for the star running back. While there are still many unknowns surrounding Elliott's future, there's no denying the potential impact he could have on a Buccaneers team that's already stacked with talent. From his ability as a runner and receiver to his proven track record as a winner, Elliott has the skills and experience to make a significant impact on any team he joins. If he does end up in Tampa Bay, it could be a match made in heaven for both Elliott and the Buccaneers. So, will Ezekiel Elliott join the Super Bowl champs in 2023? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure – the Buccaneers would be lucky to have him on their team.