The market has begun to reveal itself for former two-time NFL rushing champion Ezekiel Elliott, who was released by the Dallas Cowboys last week for salary cap reasons.
The NFC East-rival Philadelphia Eagles are among the known suitors along with the New York Jets and Cincinnati Bengals, a source confirmed.
The list is not final but a decision could be made by next week.
Elliott rushed a career-low 876 yards in 2022 while battling a hyper-extended right knee for much of the season. But he scored 12 touchdowns and teams still covet his ability as a top short-yardage back and pass protector.
It was continuation of a decline in production for Elliott since signing a six-year, $90 million contract in 2019 and the rise of Tony Pollard as the team’s top running back that prompted the Cowboys to move on from Elliott.
He was set to count $16.7 million against the salary cap with a $10.9 million non-guaranteed base salary. And that number would not stand after the team gave Pollard the franchise tag, guaranteeing him $10.1 million in 2023.
Elliott was released as designated a post-June 1 cut, which means the club will save nearly $11 million against the 2023 cap but he will count a little more than $6 million against the 2024 cap. The Cowboys will not get the cap credit until June 1.