Ezekiel Elliott was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys with the fourth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. As a first-round draft pick, he signed a standard rookie contract, which included a four-year deal with a fifth-year team option.
Prior to the 2019 NFL season, Elliott held out of training camp and preseason games in hopes of securing a contract extension with the Cowboys. He sought to become one of the highest-paid running backs in the league.
In September 2019, the Dallas Cowboys and Ezekiel Elliott reached an agreement on a six-year, $90 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid running back in NFL history at that time.
Elliott's contract extension included $50 million in guaranteed money, which provided him with financial security and made him one of the highest-paid players at his position in terms of guaranteed earnings.
With an average annual salary of $15 million per year, Ezekiel Elliott's contract extension positioned him among the top earners in the NFL, reflecting his value to the Dallas Cowboys as a key offensive weapon.
Elliott's lucrative contract extension had implications for the Dallas Cowboys' salary cap management, as his sizable salary and guaranteed money affected the team's ability to allocate resources to other positions and players.
Elliott's contract extension likely included performance incentives and bonuses based on his individual and team accomplishments, providing additional motivation for him to excel on the field.
By signing Elliott to a six-year contract extension, the Dallas Cowboys demonstrated their long-term commitment to him as a cornerstone of their offense, ensuring stability at the running back position for the foreseeable future.