Cowboys' Ezekiel Elliott signing just got better with latest contract details
The Dallas Cowboys' reunion with Ezekiel Elliott has sparked some controversy among fans, with one side arguing they're making a lazy move to improve the position and another countering that he's still got gas left in the tank. The reality is that it's a move that shouldn't cause many strong feelings one way or another. […]
The Dallas Cowboys' reunion with Ezekiel Elliott has sparked some controversy among fans, with one side arguing they're making a lazy move to improve the position and another countering that he's still got gas left in the tank.
The reality is that it's a move that shouldn't cause many strong feelings one way or another. Zeke is unlikely to become a workhorse-style RB1 like before but rather be a part of a committee which is most likely going to be led by Rico Dowdle, who has been more explosive and provides more upside on the field.
But that doesn't mean adding Elliott to the mix is a poor move as the Cowboys seriously lacked experience and depth at the position. The former No. 4 overall pick can be asked to fill specific roles, like carry the rock in short yardage situations or come in on third-and-long to pass protect.
And the best part about it all is, they'll pay him like a role-player, not a RB1! The latest contract details shows that with even more clarity.
Elliott's cap hit for this new deal is just $2 million, despite a reported value of $3 million when the news broke on Monday. ESPN's Todd Archer reported that the it's a $2M deal with $1M in incentives, which won't count toward the cap in 2024 as they're unlikely to be earned*
*Note: "Unlikely to be earned" is a term the NFL uses to describe incentives with benchmarks the player did not achieve the previous season. If reached, the Cowboys would account for it in the 2025 cap.
Per Archer, here's how the incentives breakdown:
- 1,100 scrimmage yards + playoffs: $250k
- 10 touchdowns + playoffs: $250k
- 51% playtime + playoffs – $500k
Elliott has not reached 1,100 scrimmage yards since 2021 and to do so in Dallas, he'd have to overcome Dowdle's projected role as a starter. Although he didn't get 10 touchdowns last year, that's a very achievable mark in 2024 as he'll be playing for a much better offense with the Cowboys. He scored 12 touchdowns in each of his last two seasons in Dallas.
As for the playing time, it will be close. In 2022, Elliott had a 48% snap count with Tony Pollard coming in at 49%. This time, there's no Pollard to worry about but Zeke's own standing in the league has taken a hit.
Whatever happens, the Cowboys' decision to sign Elliott is looking even better. If Elliott doesn't reach the incentives, you're looking at a cap hit of $2 million for his new deal (he's on the books for an additional $6M in dead money from his previous deal). If he does hit the incentives, Dallas will be glad to have paid him an extra milli.
Cowboys’ Ezekiel Elliott contract details emerge, team must avoid crucial mistake
Could be a great or really bad move.
