Star running back Ezekiel Elliott continues to be a holdout from the Dallas Cowboys training camp as contract negotiations are in full swing.
According to reports from NFL Network’s Jane Slater and ESPN’s Todd Archer on Tuesday, the Cowboys have said that they have made an offer that would put Elliott within the top five highest paid running backs in the league.
Dallas also claims to have offered contracts that would put quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver Amari Cooper within the top five for their position.
Elliott’s representatives have told the Cowboys that the running back will not play in 2019 without a new contract, according to a report from ESPN’s Josina Anderson. The source said that the situation is unlikely to bleed into the regular season, as both parties want Elliott on the field.
The Rams’ Todd Gurley is the highest paid running back in the league, averaging $14.4 million per year. Le’Veon Bell averages $13.5 million with the Jets.
Elliott is currently being fined $40,000 per day during the holdout. He is set to make nearly $4 million this season.
Elliott has 50/1 odds to win the NFL MVP honors at 5Dimes. Prescott is also slated at 50/1, with Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes at the top of the market at +450.
In the prop market for most rushing touchdowns, Elliott has the second-best odds at 8/1. Saquon Barkley is the +710 “chalk.”
Elliott is the favorite to lead the league in rushing yards at 3/1 odds. The Cowboys are +162 to win the NFC East and their season win total is sitting at nine games, with some extra juice on the ‘under.’