Report: Ezekiel Elliott 'willing to accept' pay cut to remain with Dallas Cowboys

Offseason changes are coming for the Dallas Cowboys and running back is going to be a major one. Alongside Tony Pollard being a free agent, something is going to have to be done with Ezekiel Elliott. The production has seriously dropped off from the once star, possibly forcing Jerry Jones to move on.

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

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.

Elliott had the worst year of his career this season, having all-time low numbers at multiple important statistics. He was surpassed by Pollard in the Cowboys’ offense, a move many had wanted to see prior to 2022.

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.

Adam Schefter says something will have to be worked out with Ezekiel Elliott

ESPN’s Adam Schefter appeared on SportsCenter on Monday, discussing different options for Elliott and the Cowboys. He said there would have to be some kind of contract change if the running back was going to return to Dallas.

“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,” Schefter said. “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.”

Pollard established himself as RB1 for the Cowboys this season and was on pace to earn himself a nice contract before suffering an injury on Sunday. He will still likely get paid and if it’s by Dallas, paying two running backs a good chunk of change is bad cap management.