"One of the worst deals in football" - NFL insider believes Cowboys will move on from Ezekiel Elliott after 2022 season
Ezekiel Elliott took the NFL world by storm as a rookie running back from Ohio State. Registering over 1,600 rushing yards, the Dallas Cowboys star was named an All Pro in his very first season in the league.
Following it up with a few more Pro Bowl-worthy performances, the running back bagged himself a six-year contract extension worth $90 million in 2019. This also included $50 million in guaranteed money.
Handing out that sort of money to a running back is often frowned upon in the NFL. It is seen as a risky investment given the recent trend of running backs' production levels declining early.
Unfortunately for the Cowboys, that's been the case with Elliott. The running back has yet to hit the heights expected since signing the monster contract. NFL insider Bobby Belt appeared on The Washington Football Post podcast and said that time has run out for the running back.
"Zeke could rush for 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns this year and I think he’s still probably done here (Dallas.) They need to move on. That contract has been such an albatross for them, one of the worst deals in football."
Belt further went on to say that despite the running back being a crowd favorite, it's time America's Team put their emotions aside.
"As much as they love his toughness and things like that, it’s about time to rip off the Band-Aid. He’s not the same player anymore."
Ezekiel Elliott determined to prove his doubters wrong in 2022 NFL season
Ezekiel Elliott entered the 2021 NFL season with a lot to prove after statistically having his worst season the year before. Unfortunately for the Cowboys star, a torn PCL in his knee hampered his progress.
This was Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott last season before a partial PCL tear to right knee. Who he was before and after injury should not be conflated. Elliott to take field this morning at OTAs. After season, Cowboys are expected to revisit his contract. dallasnews.com/sports/cowboys… https://t.co/cRb89n7ARB
Elliott, though, fought through the pain to finish the season with 1,002 rushing yards to his name. In a media conference after the Cowboys' OTAs, the running back talked about how he played through the injury:
"I mean, I was hurt last year, but it's football, after Week 1 no one is going to be 100%. That's part of the game... I think every year we've got something to prove.''
Elliott's role as the primary running back is under threat given the rise of Tony Pollard. With healthy competition brewing between the two stars, Cowboys fans will hope that their ground game will give the opposition nightmares.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit the Washington Football Post podcast, NFL.com and H/T Sportskeeda.