I thought picking up Ellingson to make up for the loss of Lawler was a good move; in the first 6 games of the year, Ellingson performed very well. However, he got hurt and upon his return, he wasn't as productive as he had been originally (perhaps because of the rise of Schoen and Demski). So, maybe it was tough to lose Lawler but I don't think it mattered that much in the short run.
The Ellingson pick-up in '22 was a brilliant move that was better than anyone could have imagined. I rewatched the 1st 4 games and he was hoooooottt. Zach instantly picked him as his #1, it was clear, and he stayed that way until injury.
But yes, after his injury he really was useless. Something must have still been wrong. Maybe he wasn't as quick? He wasn't getting open at all. Stunk in the GC, except for that one monster superb awesome 2nd down clutch sideline grab. Should have used that play more: it can't be defended.
Goes to show you a washed-up vet stinking in a garbage team can still look like a #1 with a great team and QB. The key, then, for the old fogies is can they stay out of the tub... If Ellingson gets released mid-year and we're short a SB for whatever reason, pull a Denmark and get him on the phone...