Ezekiel Elliott's six-year, $90 million contract extension with the Dallas Cowboys ends the NFL's most dramatic holdout days before the season.
Elliott becomes the league's highest-paid running back, surpassing Todd Gurley's four-year, $60 million deal from last year. Zeke's $50 million in guarantees from the Cowboys will surpass Gurley's $45 million from the Rams, according to reports.
Elliott and the Cowboys reportedly had trouble surpassing Gurley's contract, but it appears they've reached an agreement that will allow the Dallas superstar to play in Week 1.
As Elliott and the Cowboys refused to compromise, it appeared Elliott's holdout would continue into the regular season.
Elliott, who led the NFL in rushing in two of his three full seasons, wanted top-tier running back pay. The Cowboys had plenty of other players to pay, and with Elliott still having two years left on his rookie contract, they presumably wanted to delay paying him.
"I'm operating as though right now he's going to miss regular-season games," said Cowboys owner Jerry Jones following the final preseason game.
The Cowboys' most deadly offensive weapon, Elliott, returned to the team on Tuesday, guaranteeing his future through 2026.
Dallas opens the season against the New York Giants at home on Sunday.