The Ezekiel Elliott and Dallas Cowboys drama is now over. Early Wednesday, September 4, it was announced that the Cowboys have agreed to a six-year deal with the star running back that will make him the highest-paid rusher in the league.
From ESPN.com:
The deal has $50 million guaranteed, a source told ESPN’s Ed Werder, surpassing Todd Gurley’s $45 million as the most for an NFL running back. Elliott, 24, was under contract through 2020 and was set to make $3.853 million in 2019 and $9.09 million on the fifth-year option in 2020, making his total compensation through 2026 more than $100 million.
Elliott had been spending the preseason in Cabo while holding out in hope of a new contract.
“Zeke is as capable as anybody I know,” head coach Jason Garrett said, via the Washington Post. “He’s an experienced player. He’s been a really good player for us. He knows our system of football. I don’t think there’ll be a lot of learning there. He’s a smart guy. He’s an instinctive guy.”
Last season with the Cowboys, Elliott rushed for 1,434 yards and six touchdowns. Throughout his career, the running back has accumulated 4,048 yards and 28 touchdowns.
The Dallas Cowboys will officially kickoff their 2019-20 campaign on Sunday, September 8 against the NFC East rival New York Giants. The game — which takes place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas — is set to kickoff at 4:25 p.m. ET on FOX.