His vacation in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico might be wrapping up sooner than expected. Reportedly talks have heated up between Ezekiel Elliott and the Dallas Cowboys with the expectation that the deal could close this weekend.
It would be no surprise to anyone, even Jerry Jones who has balked publicly at the idea, that Elliott will begin the 2019 season as the highest paid running back in the league.
Here's the news Dallas has wanted: Talks between the Cowboys and RB Ezekiel Elliott are intensifying, with both sides aiming to wrap up a new deal this weekend, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 31, 2019
Jones, of course, has tried to negotiate through the media, repeatedly making it sound like Elliott isn’t as important a cog in Dallas’ offense as he obviously is. But, ultimately, it doesn’t matter what Jones’ mouth says, just his checkbook.
This is especially good news for fantasy football owners, specifically those smart enough to draft after the final preseason game. If signed, Elliott should be a full go for Week 1’s match up with the New York Giants.
Elliott is, without question, one of the best three running backs in the league along with the New York Jets’ Le’Veon Bell and Los Angeles Rams’ Todd Gurley. He’s led the league in yards per game in each of his three seasons and led the league in rushing yards twice. The only reason he didn’t lead it all three years was a controversial suspension in 2017 that cost him six games.
Last year, Elliott rushed for 1,434 yards, six touchdowns and averaged 4.7 yards per carry. He caught 77 passes for 567 yards and three touchdowns.
Titans lock up Ben Jones
It’s not a contract extension on the level of Elliott’s, but for the Tennessee Titans, it’s a key move just the same. The Titans extended center Ben Jones with a two-year deal worth $13.5 million.
The #Titans have agreed to terms with C Ben Jones on a contract extension. He gets a 2-year deal worth $13.5M in new money, source said. At age 31, he gets paid again.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 30, 2019
Jones was originally a fourth round pick for the Houston Texans in the 2012 NFL Draft. He’s been a full time starter since his third year in the league and hasn’t missed a game since he came over to Tennessee as a free agent in 2016.
