Fantasy Football News
Two veteran running backs signed Monday that has irked the Fantasy Football community. The New England Patriots signed ex-Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott to a one-year deal worth up to $6 million, and Ex-Vikings RB Dalvin Cook signed a one-year deal for up to $8.6M with the New York Jets.
Elliott was released by the Dallas Cowboys this offseason after seven seasons with the team. The 28-year-old had started 14 games last season and racked up 876 rushing yards. However, Zeke dropped below four yards per carry average (3.8) for the first time in his career. With salary cap issues and the emergence of Tony Pollard, the team moved on.
The Patriots may very well be the best possible landing spot for Zeke. With the addition of Elliott, the Patriots added a much-needed piece to their backfield. According to Ian Rapoport, while the organization adores Rhamondre Stevenson, New England was searching for a back like Zeke, who specialized in rushing between the tackles. Add Elliott's pass-blocking ability, and Bill Belichick's team has a valuable backfield component.
This signing hurts the fantasy value of Rhamondre Stevenson; there's just no way to spin it. Zeke will get his touches and could even steal carries along the goal line. Expect Stevenson to dip over the next few weeks.
I wouldn't say we should expect a 60/40 RRBC share, but with everything we know about the Patriots in years past, this could be a frustrating season for Stevenson's fantasy managers.
Dalvin Cook had been rumored to land with the Jets for some time now. The addition of Cook signifies New York's commitment to terminate the NFL's lengthiest postseason drought of 12 seasons and make significant progress in the playoffs.
Of course, Cook must adjust to offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett's system and shake off any rust. He told GMFB last month that he'd been working out in Florida since being released by the Vikings.
The Jets running game was also enhanced by activating Breece Hall off the physically-unable-to-perform list. The sophomore athlete performed exceptionally throughout his inaugural season until he experienced an ACL injury in week seven.
Hall and Cook will almost certainly lead the backfield, casting doubt on the futures of Michael Carter, Zonovan Knight, and youngster Israel Abanikanda. Each are on low-cost contracts, but if the focus of the run game is shared between Hall and Cook, Carter and Knight have two more preseason games to prove their worth.
It'll be interesting to watch the fantasy football stock and adp movement of these players. Some believe Cook and Elliott's signings will do little to the value of Rhamondre Stevenson and Breece Hall; others love the signing as they see this will cause a dip in their draft stock. Only time will tell.
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