The Dallas Cowboys officially sign rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott.
When the Dallas Cowboys selected Ohio State’s Ezekiel Elliott with the fourth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, they made him the highest drafted running back since the Cleveland Browns took Trent Richardson third overall in 2012. While no one needs to be reminded of how disappointing Richardson was, the Cowboys certainly believe history will not repeat itself.
On Wednesday afternoon, Elliott officially signed his rookie contract, which is reportedly worth $24.9 million guaranteed with a $16.3 million signing bonus. Zeke will be making a little less than $5 million more than Richardson did in his first NFL contract and $2.2 million more than last year’s fourth overall pick, Amari Cooper. Zeke also now ranks second in the league in terms of guaranteed money for running backs, behind LeSean McCoy.
It's official! Welcome to the Cowboys @EzekielElliott! pic.twitter.com/sNeaXNzUoX
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) May 18, 2016
Owner, president and general manger of the Cowboys, Jerry Jones, always believes his team is on the precipice of greatness. This draft pick proved no different. With plenty of positional needs scattered throughout the roster, “America’s Team” decided on a “win-now” strategy by taking Elliott so early in the draft.
After winning the NFC East in 2014-15 behind the NFL’s leading rusher, DeMarco Murray, the Cowboys decided not to overpay for an aging rusher and let him leave for the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency. While it seemed wise at the time, the Cowboys’ offense was not nearly the same without out Murray. Combined with injuries to quarterback Tony Romo and receiver Dez Bryant, the 2015-16 season fell of the rails and resulted in an abysmal 4-12 record.
Now with Elliott officially signed with the team, Dallas believes it has a new “Big 3” and is poised for a deep playoff run. Here are five ways Ezekiel Elliott can earn his impressive contract.
Next: 5. Stay Healthy