Could the Cowboys and Ezekiel Elliott be close to reaching a new deal?
According to ESPN, which cited unidentified league sources, Dallas and the star running back are expected to reach a new deal this weekend as negotiations are "intensifying."
Here's the news Dallas has wanted: Talks between the Cowboys and RB Ezekiel Elliott are intensifying, with both sides aiming to wrap up a new deal this weekend, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 31, 2019
It's worth noting the Cowboys finalized their 53-man roster Saturday with running backs Alfred Morris and rookie Tony Pollard in addition to fullback Jamize Olawale.
Elliott has been holding out in hopes of receiving a new contract. He wants a deal that will make him the highest-paid running back, which would mean his offer would have to pass Todd Gurley's four-year, $57.5 million extension with the Rams, according to NFL Network. One recent offer the Cowboys made to Elliott would have made him the second-highest paid running back, in between Gurley and Le'Veon Bell's four-year, $52.5 million deal with the Jets, but that didn't resolve Elliott's holdout.
While the Cowboys finished their preseason, Elliott has been training in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Hope rose when Elliott returned to Dallas earlier this month, but that apparently was only a break from training. Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk went to Cabo to help the Cowboys' star running back train for the upcoming season.
The Cowboys have remained optimistic they can reach a deal. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said earlier this week their main focus is to make sure they have Elliott back for the playoffs.
“We’ve got a marathon here," Jones said. "We want Zeke when we get to the playoffs. We want Zeke when we’re in the dog days of this season.”
The Cowboys are scheduled to open the regular season Sept. 8 against the Giants, though uncertainty remains as to whether Elliott will sit out as he seeks his extension. The latest update provides more hope that Elliott will be back sooner rather than later.
Elliott has one year left on his rookie contract as well as a fifth-year team option.