Even Ezekiel Elliott Knows He is Overpaid

Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys running back, is willing to take a pay cut if that means staying on the team.

According to Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News, Elliott understands that “a reduced salary can better fit him into the franchise’s plans.”

Ezekiel Elliott is reportedly set to make a salary of $10.9 million in 2023 and is not scheduled for unrestricted free agency until 2027. He became the highest paid running back in 2019 with a $90 million contract extension.

At the time of the extension, Elliott was seen as one of the best in the league, However, Elliott’s performance has declined, especially in 2022. His 3.8 yards per carry and 58.4 yards per game definitely did not match up to his 2018 season, of which he had 1,434 rushing yards.

It’s possible that the Cowboys will welcome Elliott back, especially since he is willing to take a pay cut. Although, there are several spectators who think Elliott should just “move on.” It isn’t that Elliott is “bad.” It’s that there has been an obvious decline in production that puts his high salary into question. It also is affected by the running back position losing its luster in recent years.

Tony Pollard, Dallas running back, signed a four-year contract with Dallas for $3,187,780. There are arguments that say Pollard is “better” than Elliott, insisting that Elliott is way overpaid. There is also the theory that Dallas should keep both Elliott and Pollard. A pay cut for Ezekiel Elliott could make this possible.

Regardless of what happens, Ezekiel Elliott is adamant that he belongs to the Cowboys. He told Mac Engel of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, “I want to be here. I don’t have a crystal ball. I can’t tell you the future, but I definitely want to be here.”