Ezekiel Elliott on future with Cowboys: 'I definitely want to be here'

Following the Dallas Cowboys’ playoff loss to the 49ers, running back Ezekiel Elliott faced questions about his future with the organization. Without a contract renegotiation, it’s possible that the team will opt to move on from the 2016 first-round draft pick due to his massive salary and the emergence of Tony Pollard ahead of his free agency window.

“Definitely thought about it,” Elliott told reporters of his future with the team. “I want to be here. I don’t have a crystal ball and I can’t tell you the future. But I definitely want to be here.”

After leading the Cowboys’ run game in each season since his rookie year, Elliott heavily split time with Pollard in 2022, resulting in the least productive season so far for the 27-year-old. Over 103 career NFL regular season games for Dallas, however, he’s rushed for 8,262 yards with 68 rushing touchdowns. He’s a Ring of Honor candidate in the future but how this offseason plays out could dramatically impact his legacy in Dallas.

The two sides may be able to work something out and create a win-win scenario for everyone involved.

“It’s possible the two sides could agree on a reworked contract but certainly is not going to be returning to Dallas on a contract that would pay him $17 million for 2023,” Adam Schefter said on ESPN on Monday. “The two sides will have to sit down and figure that out. Especially with Tony Pollard, who fractured his fibula, scheduled to be a free agent and on that expiring contract.”

Elliott willing to take pay cut to stay in Dallas

According to Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News, Elliott is “willing to accept” a pay cut to remain with the Cowboys next season. He has been a fan — and the owner’s — favorite since being the No. 4 overall in the 2016 NFL Draft. It’s been downhill over the past few years though, especially with a large contract.

“Ezekiel Elliott wants to stay with the Cowboys in 2023, and he is willing to accept a pay cut in order to achieve that, a person familiar with his thinking said today,” Gehlken said.

As things stand, Elliott is set to make $17 million against the cap next season. If he had been unwilling to move off the number, Dallas more than likely would have had no choice but to move on. Both parties seem willing to make something work and keep the marriage alive.

Elliott had the least productive year of his career this season, totaling 876 rushing yards in the regular season and just 53 rushing yards in the two postseason games. Meanwhile, Pollard notched his first 1,000-yard rushing season and made the Pro Bowl.

On3’s Griffin McVeigh contributed to this report.