Cowboys budget for RB Elliott's big payday

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott loves to reach paydirt, and he's about to find a second major payday. According to Cowboys vice president Stephen Jones, the Cowboys are prepared to hand Elliott a major contract in the not-too-distant future.

"We've got it budgeted that we're going to pay Zeke a significant contract at some point," Jones said Tuesday as the Cowboys' management team met reporters ahead of the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. "We certainly saw what (Rams running back Todd) Gurley got paid and we know that's probably where it starts, and we'll go from there." Gurley signed a four-year deal in July 2018 worth up to $57.5 million, including $45 million guaranteed.

Elliott and quarterback Dak Prescott are candidates for long-term deals during or after the 2019 season. But finding the space to invest in their star-studded backfield might be easier said than done. That's because at the front of the line stands defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, a candidate to be tagged with the franchise designation before March 5 and pending unrestricted free agent.

Prescott, 25, is entering the final year of his rookie agreement. He was also told by owner Jerry Jones that the Cowboys plan to give him a long-term deal. Jerry Jones repeated the sentiment in November. "Dak is the quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys," Jones said on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas. "He's young and he's going to get extended."

The Cowboys have $66 million in dead money on the 2019 salary cap, according to Spotrac. Cowboys coach Jason Garrett is entering the final season of his contract, and Stephen Jones doesn't see any urgency about offering Garrett an extension.

"No one wants Jason to be around here for the long term more than the Jones family," Stephen Jones said. "No one thinks more of him than we do. But at the same time, everybody's back is against the wall right now." Garrett has a 77-59 record in nine seasons as coach. He is 2-3 in three postseason appearances.

Also, receiver Allen Hurns could be ready for training camp, according to Stephen Jones. Hurns broke his left leg and dislocated his left ankle in a gruesome manner during a playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks. The Cowboys also hope to re-sign receiver Cole Beasley, who is slated to become an unrestricted free agent.

--Field Level Media

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