What I’m about to state is irrelevant to subsequent conversation, but I figured it is important to have full transparency. I do not believe Ezekiel Elliott is done being a premiere back in the National Football League. I state this because when discussing something that causes a huge divide among a fan base, it’s important to place any biases on the table. There is no question 2020 has been a huge disappointment when it comes to the Dallas Cowboys, and Elliott’s play ranks highly among the issues when discussing the club’s 2-3 start.
For me, that’s where evaluation ends of Elliott’s 2020 season. Everything that happens after the loss of Dak Prescott is noise because of several factors that even the most ardent detractors of Elliott would have to admit. But again, that’s irrelevant here. This discussion is about what options the Cowboys have financially if they decide it best to part ways with Elliott.
My friend Bob Sturm, who is worth the subscription to The Athletic all on his own, wrote a fascinating piece looking into Elliott’s play since he’s been in the league (spoiler: best by far) and over the last season and a half (spoiler: not so good). He weaves it around conversation of how best to build the roster moving forward and centralizes focus on the Elliott extension signed prior to 2019.
I’d lightly quibble with Sturm’s assertion Elliott was the trendsetter in terms of drafting backs high or paying them; Todd Gurley was the No. 10 overall pick in 2015 and got a huge deal a year prior to Elliott’s. That’s insignificant though in the larger context Sturm makes that Elliott’s production has fallen off.
He makes a sound argument in that regard, and while I have my personal opinion about some of the factors in play, even I can readily admit there is a case to be made from the other side of the aisle.
But again, that’s not what this article is about.
We’re here to dissect the proposition Sturm put forward at the end of his piece; that the Cowboys would be wise to eat the cost associated with jettisoning Elliott this offseason because of how quickly his contract will lock them into a 2022 agreement.
Let’s break it all down.