Ezekiel Elliott had a reputation for being the major provider of offense and touchdowns for the Dallas Cowboys at one point in time. But these days, the success of the Dallas Cowboys depends heavily on the quarterback, whether it’s the regular starter Dak Prescott or the up-and-coming backup Cooper Rush.
The natural decline that occurs in NFL running backs as they approach their 30s is a contributing factor in this phenomenon. However, in the instance of Ezekiel, it is more so about a chronic injury history that has limited his ability to exhibit his talents and fulfill his full potential.
The Ohio State graduate did something very few rookies are able to do: he made the Pro Bowl team in his first year of eligibility. Elliott became the first Cowboy to dash for 1,000 yards in the NFL since Tony Dorsett in 1977, and he did it in just nine games.
Again, Zeke’s inability to reach this point in his career due mostly to the effects of injuries has been a key factor. During the course of his career, he has already sustained seven severe injuries, one of which was playing through a partially torn PCL. This resulted in a reduction in his production on the field and weakened the notion that he could live up to the standards expected of top-paid running backs.
How Much Does Ezekiel Elliott Make?
Ezekiel Elliott gets paid an average of $15,000,000 per year. Elliott’s base salary in 2022 will be $12,400,000. His cap hit will be $18,220,000, and his dead cap value will be $30,080,000.