FRISCO, Texas- The Dallas Cowboys have had a busy week working on contracts and prepping for the New York Giants.
The Cowboys and right tackle La’el Collins agreed to a five-year deal worth $50 million with $35 million guaranteed. He will make four-of-the-five offensive lineman paid through at least 2023.
In 2018, Collins helped anchor the offensive front that provided Dak Prescott with an average of 2.86 seconds to release the ball (6th) and opened up running lanes for Ezekiel Elliott, evidenced by his rushing title.
The holdout is finally over and Elliott agreed to a six-year contract extension worth $90 million, with over $45 million guaranteed. He will become the highest paid running back in NFL history. No.21 took the field on Wednesday in practice for the first time in over a month alongside his teammates and it was all smiles around the facility.
In 2018, Zeke tallied 2,001 scrimmage yards in addition to leading the NFL in rushing (1,434). He finished with 77 receptions, the most single-catches by a Cowboys’ running back and was named to his second Pro Bowl.
At the press conference, Jason Garrett commented, “ He has been chomping at the bit talking with players and coaches…he brings great energy and juice. We are excited to have him back. “
Zeke had an extra pep in his step today around the headquarters and exuberant grin now that the deal is finalized. He remarked that in Cabo he, “ Just did a lot of metabolic work and game simulation- simulating like running a play and getting back to the huddle; Two-minute drill and just trying to simulate training camp as much as I could. “
He did not think the deal would get done and went to bed last night upset. But this morning, the organization called to wake him up at 6:00 and bring him to the facility. Elliott will now suit up against the Giants on Sunday.
Looking ahead to the season opener against their division rival, here are a couple of keys for Dallas:
The Giants will likely use a spread offense creating natural running lanes for Saquon Barkley, with Eli Manning’s go-to-guy Odell Beckam Jr. now with the Cleveland Browns. The Cowboys’ defense will have to clog up gaps at the line of scrimmage to stop the run.
Offensively, the Cowboys will have to move the chains against James Bettcher’s 3-4 defensive scheme, with linebacker Alec Ogletree coming off a career-high year in 2018 with five interceptions and two touchdowns.
