Ezekiel Elliott Current Contract and Base Salary
Ezekiel Elliott signed a six-year contract extension with the Dallas Cowboys in 2019 worth up to $90 million, with $50 million guaranteed. The deal includes a large signing bonus and annual base salary that places him among the highest-paid running backs in the NFL. His base salary for the 2025 season is $6 million, with a cap hit that remains significant for Dallas despite declining production via OverTheCap.
The contract structure front-loaded most of the guaranteed money, and Elliott has already earned more than $80 million in total compensation since signing. His current base pay reflects a veteran salary that is higher than many active running backs, though it is no longer among the top tier once adjusted for cap space via Spotrac.
Ezekiel Elliott Total Earnings and Income Sources
Elliott's total earnings combine NFL salary, performance bonuses, and postseason incentives. His 2024 base salary was $6 million, and he earned additional roster bonuses tied to playing time and snaps. Over his career, he has accumulated more than $100 million in total NFL compensation, making him one of the highest-earning running backs in league history.
Beyond football, Elliott earns income from endorsement deals with brands such as Nike and New Era. He has also launched business ventures and appeared in media projects that supplement his NFL earnings. His combined income from salary, bonuses, and off-field activities places him in the top tier of NFL earners via Forbes.
Ezekiel Elliott Earnings Compared to Other NFL Running Backs
Elliott's annual earnings are higher than most running backs in the league, though younger players with larger contracts, such as Derrick Henry and Austin Ekeler, have since surpassed his annual salary. His career earnings remain among the top five for running backs since 2016. The decline in rushing production has not reduced his base pay, as his contract guarantees remain intact through 2025.
When adjusted for cap impact, Elliott's deal is less burdensome for Dallas than it was in earlier years. His per-carry earnings and lifetime contract value still rank him among the most compensated running backs in NFL history. His financial profile reflects both the premium placed on early-career production and the long-term security of a veteran extension via Sportskeeda.