Where is Ezekiel Elliott going? Top 5 landing spots for outgoing Cowboys RB

Ezekiel Elliott has spent his seven-year career with the Dallas Cowboys, but that may change ahead of the 2023 NFL season. Several reports indicate that the team will likely release him as a salary cap casualty. He carries a $16.7 million cap hit for the upcoming 2023 NFL season. Releasing him saves the franchise nearly $11 million towards their salary cap.

Elliott reportedly expressed willingness to restructure his contract with the Cowboys earlier in the 2023 NFL offseason, but a release seems more likely after negotiations stalled out. The Cowboys also recently placed their franchise tag on Tony Pollard, further complicating their current cap situation with their running backs.

If Ezekiel Elliott is released, there could be a strong market for the star running back. Here are five potential landing spots that make the most sense.

Where is Ezekiel Elliott going?

#1 - Buffalo Bills

Devin Singletary

As per rumors, the Buffalo Bills are interested in making a splash at running back. They have been included in previous rumors involving Christian McCaffrey and Saquon Barkley.

While Ezekiel Elliott is less of an impact player than McCaffrey and Barkley at this point in his career, he shares excellent pass-catching abilities that fit well in the Bills' offensive scheme. Elliott is also an elite goalline and short-yardage back, something the Bills have been missing with Devin Singletary and James Cook.

#2 - Chicago Bears

David Montgomery

The Chicago Bears recently parted ways with leading running back David Montgomery during the 2023 NFL free agency. Montgomery's reportedly joining the Detroit Lions. This creates a need for the Bears at running back, as Khalil Herbert is relatively unproven. Ezekiel Elliott can give them a needed veteran presence in their offense, while his elite blocking skills can help protect Justin Fields.

#3 - Carolina Panthers

D'Onta Foreman

The Carolina Panthers elected to use a committee approach, including D'Onta Foreman and Chuba Hubbard, in replacing Christian McCaffrey during the 2022 NFL season.

Ezekiel Elliott can fit right into the mix as another contributor, while his elite blocking can once again prove extremely useful. The Panthers are expected to select a quarterback with the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Head coach Frank Reich should be looking to protect the quarterback as much as possible.

#4 - Los Angeles Chargers

Austin Ekeler

Austin Ekeler has reportedly been granted permission to seek a trade from the Los Angeles Chargers. He's been one of the best running backs in the NFL over the last several years, so losing him creates a significant hole in their offense. Ezekiel Elliott can help them fill that hole, providing veteran leadership to their unproven stable of young running backs, including Joshua Kelley and Isaiah Spiller.

#5 - Cincinnati Bengals

RB Joe Mixon

The Cincinnati Bengals lost Samaje Perine during the 2023 NFL free agency. Perine recently agreed to a deal with the Denver Broncos. The Bengals are also rumored to be considering moving on from Joe Mixon as they are currently in a salary cap dilemma of their own. They could potentially pivot to Ezekiel Elliott to help protect Joe Burrow, one of the most pressured quarterbacks in the NFL.