New York Jets' Backup Running Back Options: Ezekiel Elliott, JK Dobbins Remain Unsigned

The New York Jets are likely to add another running back at some point this offseason according to head coach Robert Saleh. Could free agents Ezekiel Elliott or JK Dobbins fill the need?

Dec 31, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New England Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) / Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Jets' backup running back options are waning.

After the explosive Breece Hall atop the depth chart, the Jets have three ball carriers with a combined eight games of NFL experience led by 2023 fifth-round draft pick Israel Abanikanda.

"The running back room's not done yet either," said Jets' fourth-year head coach Robert Saleh at the NFL meetings late last month in Orlando.

Dec 31, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New England Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) / Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

As of now, the Brooklyn-born Abanikanda, who rushed 20 times for 70 yards in 77 offensive snaps as a rookie, is New York's RB2. Xazavian Valladay and Jacques Patrick, who have primarily been Practice Squad players, are under contract.

The current situation screams for a free-agent addition, but the market appears somewhat underwhelming at this point in the offseason. Here are three free agents still available.

Ezekiel Elliott, New England Patriots

The former No. 4 overall draft pick is arguably the most appealing free agent remaining on the market. After a seven-year run with the Dallas Cowboys, the three-time Pro Bowl selection signed a one-year contract with New England and offered noticeable value to the offense.

Appearing in all 17 games, Elliott totaled 952 yards from scrimmage and was a viable pass-catching option out of the backfield. He secured 51 of 65 targets for 313 yards and two touchdowns.

JK Dobbins, Baltimore Ravens

The 2020 second-round selection flashed brilliance as a rookie, but has struggled to remain healthy thereafter. Dobbins, who missed the entire 2021 campaign due to a preseason knee injury, tore his Achilles in Baltimore's 2023 season opener.

When at full strength, Dobbins is an exciting player. He averaged 6.0 yards per carry and ran for nine touchdowns in 2020.

Joshua Kelley, Los Angeles Chargers

The former UCLA star played out his rookie contract with the Los Angeles Chargers but never seemed to thrive as Austin Ekeler's backup. Kelley has scored only six touchdowns in 54 games and has a 3.6 yards per carry career average.