New England Patriots reportedly set to host 2x All-Pro running back on a visit

Saturday morning, it was reported that the New England Patriots would be hosting former 2x All-Pro running back from the Dallas Cowboys, Ezekiel Elliott.

First reported by Jordan Schultz, Elliott arrived in Foxboro and was at the team's facility this morning. The Patriots' Twitter account even confirmed this report shortly after.

Throughout this offseason, the Patriots seem interested in adding to the running back room. Earlier in the offseason and even still, there have been reports about former Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook possibly joining the franchise.

Former NFL executives as well as many others thought Cook would be a great fit in the Patriots running back room this year.

This pivot by the Patriots to bring in Elliott might be because of Cook's recent talks in the media. On Friday on the NFL Network show "Good Morning Football," Cook discussed the New York Jets' current roster and situation before visiting them Friday afternoon.

Cook went on to say that the Jets were "right at the top of the list." It was also mentioned that another AFC East rival, the Miami Dolphins, seem to be alongside the Jets as leaders in the clubhouse of the Dalvin Cook sweepstakes.

Turning our attention back to Elliott, I think this pickup would be wise by the Patriots. Emerging star Rhamondre Stevenson would still get to be the clear lead running back for the Patriots, and you could use Elliott to take some of the in-between-the-tackles workload off Stevenson.

Besides Stevenson, the current Patriots roster does not really have another back that can handle the dirty work inside the box.

The reports of offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien wanting to get back to "traditional Patriots football" would make one believe that there will be an emphasis on running between the tackles to help set up the play-action pass for quarterback Mac Jones.

Elliott put up pedestrian numbers for his standards in his last season with the Cowboys. 2022 was one of the worst seasons of his career, putting up 876 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Used in a role where he is not carrying the workload like he would be used in New England would serve best for the 28-year-old running back.