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Talks Between Cowboys, Ezekiel Elliott “Intensifying”

August 31st, 2019 at 11:40am CST by Ben Levine

It sounds like Ezekiel Elliott could be on the field for Week 1. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports (via Twitter) that talks between the Cowboys and the star running back are “intensifying.” Both sides are determined to finalize a new deal this weekend.

While there have been plenty of recent reports regarding negotiations between both sides, it sounded like the two sides hadn’t made any progress in recent weeks. We heard earlier this week that both camps were standing strong on their initial offers; the Cowboys had offered a contract that was assumed to be around $14MM, while Elliott was seeking a deal that would pay him $15MM per season (thus setting the benchmark at the position).

While the organization had reportedly made an Elliott extension a priority, owner Jerry Jones said yesterday that he was operating as if their star running back wouldn’t be on the field. Regardless, today’s report is the most clarity we’ve received in some time, and it’s good news for Dallas that both sides are focused on completing a deal.

While team’s are understandably wary of handing out big money to running backs, Elliott has proved that he deserves to be one of the highest-paid running backs in the NFL. The former fourth-overall pick showed off his pass-catching prowess in 2018, hauling in a career-high 77 receptions for 567 yards and three scores. He was also prolific in the running game, compiling 1,434 rushing yards and six touchdowns. Perhaps most importantly, Elliott managed to play in 15 games after being limit to only 10 in 2017.

Had Zeke ended up sitting out part of the regular season, the Cowboys were ready to roll with rookie running back Tony Pollard and veteran Alfred Morris. Assuming an extension gets done, the organization now has a formidable trio of backs to rely on from the start of the season.

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