NFL insider Ian Rapoport has spoken to sources who gave him every indication Ezekiel Elliott is demanding a contract extension in the offseason. The timing of this report couldn't be any worse from a fan's perspective, with the Cowboys entering the first-round of the playoffs in a toss-up contest with the Seattle Seahawks over in the NFC.
Rapoport believes the basis for contract talks stems from an increase in Ezekiel Elliiot's workload this season, and the consequent desire for security given the odd chance of injury. Lest we forget Ezekiel's spotty injury record which includes issues with his hamstring, neck, and a fractured wrist he suffered in college. All to say, Ezekiel Elliott gave himself up to his recovery time, and it certainly shows.
In his defense, Ezekiel has done everything asked of him by the Dallas Cowboys' brass. Despite the many check-ups in the nurse's office, Elliott has been every bit the workhorse he describes in his pitch, dating back to 2016 at the outset of his NFL career. There is little precedent for running backs in the NFL to receive contract extensions before their entry-level deal runs out, but Elliott is certainly an exceptional case - especially when you consider the force by which he entered the league in 2016. Elliott and the Cowboys do battle with the Seahawks tonight. Should they get the W, it'll only bolster his chances of a raise in the offseason.