Running Back Round-Up
08/15/2023
By: Jeff Yoder
Running Backs Dalvin Cook (Jets) & Ezekiel Elliot (Patriots) Find New Homes, But Sad News Hits NFL Family
The wait is over for two of the NFL’s marquee free-agent running backs, but a former NFL ballcarrier’s tragic death also rocked the league on a busy Monday. Former Vikings RB Dalvin Cook signed a one-year deal with the New York Jets while former Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliot inked a new deal with the New England Patriots. Both running backs have multiple pro bowls and they’re only 28 years old. Those signings came just hours apart Monday afternoon, but what followed was the news of Alex Collins’ death. Here’s the latest:
SIGNING: RB Dalvin Cook → Jets
Contract: 1 Year, $8.6 Million
Cook joins Aaron Rodgers in New York with a shot at a Super Bowl this season. The Jets also have Breece Hall and Michael Carter, so Cook won’t have to be the bellcow he was in Minnesota. In his first six seasons, all with the Vikings, Cook tallied nearly 6,000 yards rushing and 47 touchdowns, as well as another 1,800 yards and five TDs receiving.
SIGNING: RB Ezekiel Elliot → Patriots
Contract: 1 Year, $6 Million
Elliot also joined an AFC East squad in need of running-back help. He joins an RB room with Rhamondre Stevenson and Ty Montgomery. His seven seasons in Dallas produced more than 10,500 total yards (rushing and receiving) and 80 touchdowns.
Former Seahawks and Ravens RB Alex Collins passed away Monday morning as the result of a motorcycle crash at 28 years old. Collins wasn’t with a team this preseason, but the former fifth-round pick rushed for nearly 2,000 yards and 18 touchdowns in 50 career games with Seattle and Baltimore. He was a fun character on the football field and cherished by both organizations, teammates, and family.
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