Early Wednesday morning, it was announced that the Dallas Cowboys and RB Ezekiel Elliott finally ended the offseason-long dilemma surrounding the Ohio State product’s contract. Dallas gave the RB an unprecedented $90 million over six years. The extension is $33 million more than the total value of the second-highest paid RB of all-time – Todd Gurley.
Jerry Jones has been giving out contract extensions left and right this offseason. LB Jaylon Smith signed a five-year, $46 million deal two weeks ago. RT La’el Collins was given a five-year, $50 million extension just yesterday. With many mouths to feed, it made sense for Jones to address the most important and pressing one, as Elliot made it clear he was ready to hold out through the regular season.
Elliot’s value to the Cowboys’ offense can’t be overstated. In a league dominated that has so many young, talented RBs, Elliott led the league in rushing yards per game in all three of his seasons. The playcalling is set up through Zeke. His ability to run through and around would-be tacklers may only be overshadowed by his ability to catch, turn-upfield, and make guys miss.
Now that the 24-year-old’s contract situation is taken care of, the Cowboys’ front office have two very important pieces on their radar. QB Dak Prescott and WR Amari Cooper are also looking to collect. Prescott hasn’t been particularly impressive, but he’s been on the team helping them win. I’m not sure it’s necessarily because of Dak, but he’s helped. Looking at Amari, however, there was definitely a switch in the passing offense when he arrived last season. The Cowboys traded a first-round pick for the former Raider, and it wouldn’t make much sense for them to give up on him after just one year.
Jerry and Stephen Jones have a lot left to figure out, but they just locked in the biggest piece of the puzzle this morning. If they want to see long-term success they should focus on paying Amari and find a way to get Prescott to take less than the $40 million he’s asking. But, if Jared Goff’s going to get $34 million a year, then maybe he is deserving.