19 February 2023 , 22:24
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The Dallas Cowboys could be forced to cut their star running back Ezekiel Elliott ahead of the 2023 season if he does not agree a new contract with the team.
In 2019, Elliott signed a six-year extension $90 million deal to stay with the Cowboys, a deal which has been much-maligned by fans with the running back's decline in play. Elliott remains one of the better running backs in the NFL but is seen as an overpaid player in the hard salary cap league.
The Cowboys are looking to keep Elliott on the team for next season, but hope that he agrees a pay cut and a new contract in order for them to make further moves to their roster, it is being reported.
NFL Matt Lambardo reported that the Cowboys could ask Elliott in the next few weeks to take a "massive" pay cut in order to remain with the team, as he is set to make $16.7 million in 2023.
The team may struggle to keep Elliott on the roster with that cap hit, as well as having a number of free agents that they'll need do resign, and could do so with the cash freed up from his contract.
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One of the players that they will look to resign will be fellow running back Tony Pollard, who is set to become a free agent after an impressive year.
Pollard has emerged as the team's number one offensive weapon, alongside receiver CeeDee Lamb, and is an essential piece to head coach Mike McCarthy's system.
Ezekiel Elliott's play has declined in recent yearsIt came as a surprise, with Elliott being the number one running back for the Cowboys since 2016 when he exploded onto the scene.
Elliott had performed as one of the best players at the position in the league, scoring 80 touchdowns in his career, but has struggled in recent years - a tendency which is regular when running backs age.
Elliott is now the highest-paid running back in the league, performing at around an average level, and could be a surprise cut candidacy in the coming weeks.
The NFL's free agency period will begin on March 15, when a number of big-name players will hit the market including Lamar Jackson, Saquon Barkley and Geno Smith.