Latest Ezekiel Elliott Extension Update Suggests Zero Progress Has Been Made
By Sam Dunn
Zeke Elliott just wants the bag. And is that so hard to fathom? All the Dallas running back has done is lead the league in rushing in both seasons of his career in which he's logged more than 10 games.
Well, the Cowboys don't quite see it so clearly. According to NFL insider Jane Slater, the two parties are nowhere close to agreeing on any particular aspect of a new deal, whether it be max value, guaranteed money, or the number of years.
How close is this Zeke deal to getting done? A source informed told me, “close? Nope.” So, what are the sticking points? The guarantee? Length? “Everything” #ZekeWatch
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) July 31, 2019
Well, that's not great.
Todd Gurley is the highest-paid running back in NFL history, but showed just how mortal he was down the stretch last year, as injuries that almost entirely eliminated him from participation in the playoffs, including the Rams' stupefying stinker in Super Bowl LII. The Cowboys are right to want to avoid handing the bag to Elliott only to see him succumb to wear and tear when he's getting paid historically big bucks.
But that doesn't make the current impasse any more palatable.
"'Todd Gurley didn't deserve Todd Gurley money.' I'm told that's the way the Cowboys see it. They're trying to reset the market. ... We know Zeke's value to this offense. Ezekiel Elliott gives them the best shot to go to Miami." — @SlaterNFL pic.twitter.com/15FAgHjfaH
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) July 31, 2019
Will Elliott insist on holding out into the regular season? Far crazier things have happened. In fact, it's surely his very best leverage. If and when that happens, the denizens of Big D had better hope Alfred Morris is ready to turn back the clock.