{"id":68861,"date":"2019-07-21T12:04:48","date_gmt":"2019-07-21T16:04:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonnfl.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=68861"},"modified":"2021-03-17T16:17:20","modified_gmt":"2021-03-17T20:17:20","slug":"ezekiel-elliott-holdout-dallas-cowboys","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2019\/07\/21\/ezekiel-elliott-holdout-dallas-cowboys\/","title":{"rendered":"Examining A Possible Ezekiel Elliott Holdout"},"content":{"rendered":"

Training camp is about to start up, and the Dallas Cowboys<\/a> might be without Ezekiel Elliott<\/a><\/strong>. According to Mike Florio<\/strong><\/a> of Pro Football Talk, Elliott is reportedly planning on holding out and could even leave the country for the start of training camp. No other source has confirmed this report, so let\u2019s break down the odds of an Ezekiel Elliott holdout and what the Cowboys can do if he’s gone.<\/p>\n

Odds of An Ezekiel Elliott Holdout<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Why He\u2019d Do It<\/h3>\n

Running backs have a notoriously short shelf life<\/a>, and Elliott wants to make sure he gets his money before his body gives out. Since entering the league, Elliott has recorded 868 carries to go along with 135 receptions. Elliott\u2019s 868 attempts lead the league since 2016, an impressive feat considering he\u2019s missed eight games over that timeframe.<\/p>\n

The running back position, by and large, is starting to get devalued around the league. Teams are turning more towards analytics and starting to realize that it simply isn\u2019t good business to pay running backs. The grand majority of rushing production is due to the offensive line and playcalling, and passing targets to running backs aren\u2019t as valuable<\/a> as targets to wide receivers and tight ends. When also considering the shortened careers of running backs, there aren’t many arguments for paying the position.<\/p>\n

However, there are still a few teams who haven\u2019t caught on to this type of thinking. The New York Jets<\/a> handed out a massive contract to Le\u2019Veon Bell<\/strong><\/a> and Melvin Gordon<\/a><\/strong> is currently pulling a similar stunt with the Los Angeles Chargers<\/a>. It\u2019s in Elliott\u2019s best interest to get a big-money contract before every team realizes they shouldn\u2019t pay running backs.<\/p>\n

Why He Wouldn\u2019t<\/h3>\n

For the record, Ezekiel Elliott has not publicly stated whether or not he will hold out. Florio is the only one to claim Elliott definitely won\u2019t be there, but he also thought he wouldn\u2019t be at mandatory minicamp. Charles Robinson<\/strong> of Yahoo Sports reports that Elliott has considered holding out<\/a>, but has not yet made up his mind.<\/p>\n

The obvious comparison to Elliott\u2019s situation is Le\u2019Veon Bell. Bell skipped 2018 season to avoid the franchise tag and got a four-year, $52.5 million deal out of it. While this comparison passes the eye test at first glance, it falls apart under further examination.<\/p>\n

Since Bell never signed the franchise tag, he was never under contract for the 2018 season. Elliott, however, is under contract for two more seasons. That fact doesn\u2019t change even if he holds out and misses the entire 2019 season. One way or another, he\u2019ll have to play two more years before hitting free agency or getting the franchise tag.<\/p>\n

Additionally, Elliott could indirectly hurt his own value by sitting out too long. The Cowboys invested a third-round pick in Tony Pollard<\/strong><\/a> and a seventh-round pick in Mike Weber <\/strong><\/a>during the 2019 NFL Draft. Pollard and Weber can combine to provide roughly 80% of Elliott\u2019s production at a fraction of the cost. It\u2019s worth noting that the Cowboys went 3-1 in 2017 when they had Tyron Smith<\/strong><\/a> and not Ezekiel Elliott.<\/p>\n

What to Do About the Ezekiel Elliott Holdout<\/h3>\n

Realistically, the Cowboys are going to pay Elliott to be an elite running back. One way or another, it\u2019s going to get done. Chances are the team won\u2019t go into the regular season without their star running back, even if the numbers suggest Elliott won\u2019t be worth anything close to his contract.<\/p>\n

Elliott is probably the best running back in the league, and it\u2019s hard to blame him for wanting financial security as soon as possible. Objectively, the Cowboys shouldn\u2019t give it to him. They have enough good players at more important positions, and they’ll need every last cent to keep them in town. Tony Pollard and Mike Weber can do an adequate job in the run game, allowing the Cowboys to sign Dak Prescott<\/a>, Amari Cooper<\/a><\/strong>, and other stars while maintaining depth throughout the roster.<\/p>\n

The Cowboys SHOULD<\/em> look for a trade partner and try to get a high draft pick for Elliott. Realistically, Dallas will extend Elliott and use roughly 10% of the salary cap on the most replaceable position in football.<\/p>\n

Main photo:
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>