Ezekiel Elliott’s Future in Dallas: Will a Pay Cut Keep Him a Cowboy?

The Dallas Cowboys’ recent loss to the San Francisco 49ers has led to speculation about the future of star running back Ezekiel Elliott in Dallas. With four years remaining on his contract, the Cowboys have the option to opt out this offseason if they decide to move on from his large contract.

Elliott’s production dropped considerably this season, and the emergence of fellow running back Tony Pollard has made it unlikely that he will return to Dallas without taking a major pay cut. After Sunday’s game, Elliott stated that he would like to return next season but doesn’t have a crystal ball to predict the future.

Sources close to the situation have also reported that Elliott is willing to take a pay cut to stay with the Cowboys. However, the team has a tricky situation on its hands as Pollard is also set to become a free agent this offseason. Paying both players a considerable amount seems unlikely, so a choice between Pollard and Elliott seems inevitable.

The decision on who to pay is clear when considering the production of both players this year. Despite receiving fewer touches, Pollard ran for 1007 yards while Elliott only racked up 876. The amount of pay cut the Cowboys’ running back is willing to take will ultimately decide Elliott’s future in Dallas Cowboys.

If it is the end for Elliott in Dallas, his final play as a Dallas Cowboys will not be one that he looks back fondly on, getting lit up playing at the center on a strange trick play. The Cowboys will have to weigh the value of having a proven star like Elliott versus the potential of a younger player like Pollard. Only time will tell what the team’s decision will be, but one thing is for sure, the Cowboys have a big decision to make in the upcoming offseason.

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