Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott is willing to take a pay cut to remain with the team next season, a source told Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News.
Elliott is currently scheduled to earn a $10.9-million salary in 2023. He ranks second behind Aaron Jones of the Green Bay Packers ($20.02 million) with a $16.72-million cap hit.
The 27-year-old said after Sunday’s divisional-round loss to the San Francisco 49ers that he hopes to stay with the Cowboys.
“I’ve definitely thought about it,” said Elliott. “I want to be here. I don’t have a crystal ball; I can’t tell you the future. But I definitely want to be here.”
Dallas is also interested in keeping Elliott for an eighth year, added Gehlken.
Elliott has struggled to live up to his top-tier contract over the last three campaigns after a standout first four seasons in the NFL.
Though he’s remained one of the league’s most consistent scorers with 28 touchdowns on the ground since 2020, Elliott’s rushing yards per game dipped to a career-low 58.4 in 2022. He averaged 101.2 yards per game from 2016-18.
Dallas reportedly also wants to retain impending free-agent running back Tony Pollard and is willing to use the franchise tag; his situation could be complicated by a reported fractured fibula he sustained against the 49ers.
Pollard, 25, enjoyed a breakout season in 2022, earning his first 1,000-yard campaign and Pro Bowl nod.
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