Ezekiel Elliot has been seeking a new team ahead of the 2023 NFL season after being released by the Dallas Cowboys. Several teams have expressed interest in signing the veteran running back in free agency, but the New England Patriots currently appear to be the front runners. He recently visited the franchise to spend some time in New England and discuss a potential new contract.During his recent visit, Elliot was spotted having dinner in Seaport with Mac Jones. While meeting with the Patriots quarterback to discuss potentially joining the team makes sense, the picture of them dining together went viral with some relatively negative feedback.Many NFL fans poked fun at the viral picture on Twitter, including some of these top comments:newhook@newhook16@BabzOnTheMic They look like they are having the most awkward date I’m history 3@BabzOnTheMic They look like they are having the most awkward date I’m history 😂Andrew Leduc | Divots and Pivots | Dynasty Hour@realMrMallard@BabzOnTheMic They look like they're having so much fun. No wonder he left without a contract.Mac Jones - "Did you just fly in from Dallas? Your arms must be tired"Zeke - 🙄2@BabzOnTheMic They look like they're having so much fun. No wonder he left without a contract.Mac Jones - "Did you just fly in from Dallas? Your arms must be tired"Zeke - 🙄Joel Verzosa, PT, DPT@jverzosa2@BabzOnTheMic @32BeatWriters Bro they look like pre-teens that were forced to eat at the kids table for thanksgiving1941@BabzOnTheMic @32BeatWriters Bro they look like pre-teens that were forced to eat at the kids table for thanksgivingTravis@Selah_w_t@BabzOnTheMic Why are they sitting on the same side of the table lol5@BabzOnTheMic Why are they sitting on the same side of the table lolFazir Ali@KingFazir@BabzOnTheMic Hot take: it’s probably not going to work out. Their sitting too far away from each other.They’re not vibin.4@BabzOnTheMic Hot take: it’s probably not going to work out. Their sitting too far away from each other.They’re not vibin.Ryan Zichosch@Ziggyisthetrex@BabzOnTheMic The body language is a bit odd, comes off as forced and little interest@BabzOnTheMic The body language is a bit odd, comes off as forced and little interestBeer League Hero@MaskTendy@BabzOnTheMic Reminds me of the scene in Seinfeld when Geogre saids "You're giving me the 'it's not you, it's me' routine? I invented 'it's not you, it's me.' Nobody tells me it's them, not me."3@BabzOnTheMic Reminds me of the scene in Seinfeld when Geogre saids "You're giving me the 'it's not you, it's me' routine? I invented 'it's not you, it's me.' Nobody tells me it's them, not me."David Ringhiser@Ringer2424@BabzOnTheMic They both discussing what a 5-12 season is gonna feel like.341@BabzOnTheMic They both discussing what a 5-12 season is gonna feel like.Tommy 🧢@ExeterSportsGuy@BabzOnTheMic No one looks happy lol25@BabzOnTheMic No one looks happy lolJeff B@jrbennett155@BabzOnTheMic Great..they sent Mac to talk to him..no chance he signs now.1@BabzOnTheMic Great..they sent Mac to talk to him..no chance he signs now.Many fans poked fun at Mac Jones and Ezekiel Elliot for how awkward they looked with each other in the viral photo. They especially questioned their odd choice to sit on the same side of the table together, each with their backs to the rest of the restaurant and facing the wall.Several other fans criticized the idea of the Patriots adding Elliot to their roster. While many may feel he's no longer the player that he used to be, which is clearly true based on statistics, he can still be a useful offensive contributor. In fact, he profiles as exactly the type of player the Patriots are currently missing.Ezekiel Elliot is an ideal fit for Patriots' 2023 needsEzekiel ElliotBill Belichick has long been known for preferring a committee approach to his running backs. With the departure of Damien Harris to the Buffalo Bills, the New England Patriots currently lack depth in the position. Ezekiel Elliot can potentially change that, while also bringing a skillset that Pierre Strong and Ty Montgomery haven't proven capable of.At this point in the later part of his NFL career, Elliot is most useful as an elite blocker and solid short yardage specialist. He succeeded in both of these roles behind Tony Pollard with the Dallas Cowboys last season. He can play a similar part with Patriots, backing up Rhamondre Stevenson.Harris averaged ten touches per game appearance with New England last year, so Elliot has a clear path to playing time. His excellent blocking skills are also a trait that Belichick likely desires to help protect Mac Jones in obvious passing situations.