DeAndre Domino: Patriots Also Looking at Former Cowboys' Star RB Ezekiel Elliott?

The New England Patriots could get veteran offensive help from not only receiver DeAndre Hopkins, but also running back Ezekiel Elliott.

While the New England Patriots await a DeAndre Hopkins decision, might they consider signing another veteran to upgrade their offense?

Hopkins, the five-time All-Pro receiver, visited Foxboro last week. By all accounts the meetings were positive and the Pats are optimistic - "Hoptomistic"? - of signing him. Until then, CBS is recommending another veteran to add as a weapon for quarterback Mac Jones:

Ezekiel Elliott.

Seems a longshot, given that they let veteran Damien Harris leave earlier this offseason and just last week released James Robinson. That move, in part, is because they are satisfied with a running back position filled by starter Rhamondre Stevenson, third-down specialist Ty Montgomery and backups J.J. Taylor, Kevin Harris and Pierre Strong.

But adding a former two-time NFL rushing champion who is still only 27 has to be intriguing. (Hopkins, after all, is 31.)

The former Dallas Cowboys' star is still without a team after being a June 1 cap casualty. With OTAs and minicamp completed for all 32 NFL teams, Elliott is still available.

CBS proposes the Pats sign him for one-year, $5 million contract.

"New England has young Rhamondre Stevenson as a potential offensive focal point, but after cutting the injury-riddled James Robinson before he could even make his Patriots debut, they could use proven insurance," CBS Sports wrote. "Elliott may be past his full-time days, but as a pass blocker and short-term rotational piece, he'd fit right into a typically crowded Bill Belichick backfield."

The Cowboys - owner Jerry Jones, in particular - have hinted they'd love Elliott to return to Dallas but only at a bargain. The Cleveland Browns just ruled out signing him also.

The problem with the Pats' signing Zeke is their lack of a glaring "need" for him. The release of Robinson proves they're content with their runners. Even more, Elliott's skill set almost mirrors that of Stevenson, who excels at short-yardage running and receiving.

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