The Bengals are one of three teams reportedly in the mix to land former Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott, according to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Elliott has narrowed his free agency destination to the Eagles, Jets and Bengals as he enters the next stage of his career following his release from the Cowboys earlier this month.
Despite the 27-year-old reportedly being in the mix in Cincinnati, Bengals coach Zac Taylor remained coy on the possibility of adding him.
“There’s a lot of great players that are available right now,” Taylor said with a smile when speaking with WCPO’s Mike Dyer. “We like our team and where it’s at right now but it’s always funny when things get thrown around. Sometimes it’s the first you hear of it, but that’s just the way life works.”
That’s not a no, but it’s certainly not a yes either in regard to whether or not Elliott is truly in the mix in Cincinnati.
On the surface, Elliott would be a good fit in Cincinnati to form a one-two punch with starting running back Joe Mixon. The Bengals have had a formidable backfield duo of Mixon and Samaje Perine over the last few seasons, but Perine signed with the Broncos in free agency, leaving a spot for Elliott to potentially fill.
The Cowboys moved on from their long time running back after a decline in his production coincided with the emergence of Tony Pollard as a do-everything back for Dallas.
While Elliott may be past his peak, he is still capable of being a productive back. Last season was his lowest rushing output of his seven-year career, but he still rushed for 876 yards and 12 touchdowns while averaging 3.8 yards per carry for the Cowboys.
