Chargers Sign Former Cowboys and Patriots Running Back Ezekiel Elliott Ahead of Playoff Push
In a bold move that is sure to shake up the dynamics of their running back room, the Los Angeles Chargers have signed veteran running back Ezekiel Elliott, a former standout for both the Dallas Cowboys and the New England Patriots. The timing of the signing, just as the Chargers are gearing up for a playoff push, makes this acquisition even more significant. Elliott brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and a proven track record to a Chargers squad with aspirations of making a deep run in the postseason.
The Chargers’ Running Back Situation
The Chargers have a talented roster, especially with dynamic quarterback Justin Herbert leading the charge. However, the running game has been a point of concern for much of the season. The team has struggled to find consistent production from its running backs, relying on a committee approach with Austin Ekeler, Joshua Kelley, and Isaiah Spiller, among others. While Ekeler has been productive in the passing game, his ability to provide between-the-tackles rushing production has at times been limited.
Ekeler’s smaller frame and reliance on speed rather than brute strength has been a double-edged sword for the Chargers. While he’s one of the most dangerous backs in the league as a pass-catcher, particularly out of the backfield, the team has often found themselves lacking a powerful, downhill runner to balance the offense. The addition of Elliott fills that gap. Known for his physical running style, Elliott brings a bruising presence to the backfield and offers a change of pace to Ekeler’s finesse-based approach.
Ezekiel Elliott’s Career Overview
Ezekiel Elliott has had a storied career since being drafted by the Cowboys with the fourth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. At the time, his selection was hailed as a home run, and for the first few seasons, Elliott lived up to that hype in a big way. Over his first three seasons in Dallas, Elliott racked up over 1,600 yards in two of those years and had a reputation as one of the most dominant and well-rounded backs in the NFL.
However, the latter part of his tenure with the Cowboys saw a decline in his production. Various factors contributed to this dip, including injuries, a declining offensive line, and an offensive system that began to shift away from relying on the run game. Despite this, Elliott remained a key contributor, especially in short-yardage and goal-line situations, and was still viewed as a solid option.
In 2023, Elliott signed with the New England Patriots, a team that was in need of a steady veteran presence in their backfield. While the Patriots’ offense struggled to find its rhythm under offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien, Elliott provided a reliable power running option. He finished the season with 876 rushing yards, six touchdowns, and a solid 3.9 yards per carry. While he was no longer the dominant force he once was, Elliott still showcased his ability to be a productive back in a time-share role.
Why the Chargers Are Making This Move
The Chargers are in the midst of a critical stretch, with playoff implications on the line. At 9-6 and looking to secure a wild-card spot, the team recognizes that they need to add another dimension to their offense in order to compete with some of the league’s best teams. In the postseason, games tend to slow down, and the importance of a solid running game becomes more pronounced. Elliott’s ability to run with power and grind out tough yards in short-yardage situations makes him an ideal candidate to provide the kind of ground game that the Chargers need to complement their high-flying passing attack.
Additionally, Elliott’s experience in big games cannot be overlooked. He has played in multiple postseason games during his career, including a 2018 playoff run where he led the Cowboys to the divisional round of the playoffs. His leadership and ability to perform under pressure could prove invaluable to a Chargers team that has had its share of playoff disappointments in recent years.
The Fit in Los Angeles
For Elliott, the opportunity to join the Chargers represents a chance to play on a team that is on the verge of contending for a championship. Playing with a quarterback like Justin Herbert, who is widely considered one of the brightest young stars in the NFL, could provide Elliott with a fresh lease on life. The Chargers’ offense is built around the arm of Herbert, and the running back will have ample opportunities to take advantage of stacked boxes and defenses that are forced to respect the passing game. Elliott’s role could very well evolve into a combination of short-yardage back, third-down back, and occasionally even a bell-cow for certain stretches when Ekeler needs a breather or is used primarily in the passing game.
One of the main benefits of this move for the Chargers is that it frees up Ekeler to do what he does best — be a dynamic receiving threat out of the backfield. Ekeler has had his best seasons when he is utilized as a dual-threat, and bringing in Elliott allows him to focus more on catching passes and making explosive plays in space. With Elliott in the mix, the Chargers can now be more flexible in how they deploy their backfield, forcing defenses to adjust accordingly.
The Playoff Push
As the Chargers look to secure their playoff spot and potentially make a run deep into the postseason, the presence of Elliott can give them the boost they need. While his days as a workhorse back might be behind him, his ability to convert on third-and-short, provide short-yardage touchdowns, and give Ekeler more opportunities as a receiver are invaluable. The Chargers have long been seen as a team with immense potential but have faltered when the games matter most. This acquisition could be the piece that pushes them over the top.
In the postseason, where teams tend to be more conservative and defensive units tighten up, having a reliable veteran like Elliott could be the difference between winning and losing a close game. His toughness, consistency, and ability to take hits and churn out yards will be crucial in the grind-it-out nature of playoff football.
Looking Ahead
The signing of Ezekiel Elliott is a calculated gamble by the Chargers, but one that makes sense given their current situation. While he may not be the star running back he once was, Elliott brings a wealth of experience and an important skill set that complements the rest of the roster. The Chargers’ offense has the potential to be one of the most explosive in the league with Herbert at the helm, and Elliott’s presence could give them the balance they need to go far in the playoffs.
If Elliott can stay healthy and contribute in key moments, he could prove to be one of the most important acquisitions for the Chargers this season. In the high-stakes environment of the NFL postseason, a reliable running back can be just as critical as a dynamic quarterback, and the addition of Ezekiel Elliott could be the key to the Chargers’ playoff success.
