Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott is one of the league’s top rushers. He has won the rushing title two out of three years in the league and has been invaluable for Dallas. In the offseason, the star running back held out in Cabo San Lucas for a new contract. In early September, the Cowboys made Elliott the highest-paid running back in league history with a six-year, $90 million contract. He is now locked in for eight years in Big D, but the question remains, is he worth it?
Ezekiel Elliott Still Worth the Contract
Big Payday, Not so Big Production
In the past, there have been players who get the big payday, but don’t produce the same. For example, Albert Haynesworth was a really good player for two years, got paid, and never saw career highs. Michael Vick is another example. At 6 years, $100 million, he never lived up to his Eagles contract. Sure, he had some good games but was ultimately mediocre. It is totally normal for people to balk at huge contracts for RBs though. Edgerrin James got a big contract from the Cardinals, had two good years, then was out of the league by year 4 of the deal. Even all-time rushing champion Emmitt Smith‘s deal comes to mind, considering Dallas paid him absurd amounts, and could never really build around him.
Elliott seems to have earned his contract though. He had 1,600 rushing yards his rookie year, and another 1,400 last season. He won the rushing title both years and lead the league in touches. This year so far, he has 246 carries for 1,071 yards, which equals roughly 4.35 yards per carry. Since 2016, Zeke leads the league in attempts, yards per carry, and yards after contact.
Par for the Course
Elliott is right on pace to finish with numbers similar to last year. As stated above he has eclipsed 1,000 yards for the third time in four years. The Cowboys also have three games left against favorable opponents in the run game. This week they have the Rams, followed by Philadelphia and Washington. The Philly game will most likely decide the division, which has been nothing short of dismal. Elliott will most certainly have to get going and have his way if Dallas were to ride into the playoffs.
Elliott has heard the whispers this year, saying that he’s behind schedule for his breed of running back. That is totally untrue, as anyone with a computer can pull up the stats and see that he’s on his usual pace. Dallas has changed the way they approach the game offensively. Dallas’ play calling has drastically changed from run-heavy to pass-heavy. Elliott gets his touches though, as he has transformed himself into a back that can catch passes and make positive plays from them.
Dallas will look to start a winning streak and surge into the playoffs. They will likely be taking on the loser of the NFC West, the 49ers or Seahawks. There is a chance they could face an NFC North team, but it is unlikely. First, they need to win two of their last three games, including a win against Philly in week 16. That all starts with one Ezekiel Elliott.
