The Dallas Cowboys had a bye for Week 10.
With that free time, 105.3 The Fan’s Mike Bacsik started prognosticating what could happen in 2021.
In his latest show, Bacsik called Zeke an “average running back.” and said the Cowboys mistakenly invested in a devalued NFL position.
Prediction of When Zeke Is Released
Bacsik believes a year from now, Ezekiel Elliott will be at the end of his career with the Dallas Cowboys.
He thinks the decision will be a financial one.
The Cowboys need to negotiate with Dak Prescott so in his mind, they might free up some cash in 2022 and beyond with Zeke out of the picture.
“I think when we get to the end of the 2021 season, the Cowboys will look to release Ezekiel Elliott. … I think they’re going to look at their financial aspect because I think they are committed to Dak [Prescott] being the quarterback of the future. And I think they’re going to just look at financially and look at his production and go, ‘Guys, it might be best to take a hit now and open up money for later.”
“I think we’re going to start hearing whispers out of Frisco that there’s a possibility that the Cowboys are going to release Elliott after the 2021 season. And it will be a financial hit. But I think they’re looking at it going, ‘We can’t keep paying this every year to a guy who is at best an average running back.’”
Elliott’s Contract
Currently, Zeke is under contract with the Cowboys through 2026.
He signed a 6 year $90 million contract.
Approximately $50 million of that money is guaranteed with an annual salary of $15 million.
Using Bacsik’s logic, the Cowboys would have to absorb some of the guaranteed money if Zeke is released after only 2 years on the contract.
Zeke’s Performance
2020 has been shaky for Zeke and the Cowboys offense.
Dealing with a revolving door of quarterbacks since Dak went down has not been easy.
Despite a lot of carries, Zeke’s production is down overall which has caused people to speculate especially since Tony Pollard has arrived.
Most rushing carries in the #NFL:
1. Derrick Henry: 182 attempts
2. Josh Jacobs: 161 attempts
3. Todd Gurley: 159 attempts
4. Ezekiel Elliot: 150 attempts
5. Dalvin Cook: 144 attempts#Titans #RaiderNation #RiseUpATL #DallasCowboys #Skol pic.twitter.com/B6QPbRP3dq— Regulators Podcast 🏈🎙 (@RegulatorsPod) November 11, 2020
With nine games in, Zeke has not yet had a 100-yard rushing game; he has 578 rushing yards on the season with an average of 3.8 yards per carry.
More concerning is his propensity to fumble this year; he has five of those in nine games, four resulting in turnovers.
In comparison, Tony Pollard has 206 yards rushing with an average of 4.4 yards per carry.
FILM ROOM 🎬: RB Tony Pollard run attempts vs Steelers ✭ #dallascowboys pic.twitter.com/n7K3Fqvx5p
— The Cowboys Network (@TheCowboysNet) November 14, 2020
Jerry Jones Stands By Zeke
The Cowboys owner tried to set the record straight on 105.3 on Friday by differentiating between the surging Tony Pollard and Ezekiel Elliott.
“Tony’s not a Johnny come lately to our appreciation for what he can bring to us. It always was exponential his potential here to help us, not though, let me emphasize, not though, at the diminished times we get the ball in the hands of Zeke or get Zeke involved in the offense in a way that he influences the offense so we can make big plays. All of this is all around what we’re trying to do with our key spot at quarterback. I would say no in answer to any role that Pollard is being considered that would diminish anything that we’re doing with Zeke.”
Conclusion
As we all have learned, a lot can happen in a year.
Hopefully, the 2021 season has a healthy Dak and productive Zeke on the field together.
The only known fact is that Jerry Jones likes to win; if his players win, it seems unlikely that he would break up the Dak and Zeke band.
NEXT: 2021 NFL Draft Buzz: Could Cowboys Trade High Pick?