Ezekiel Elliott Current Salary and Contract Structure
Ezekiel Elliott earned a base salary of $15 million for the 2024 NFL season with the Dallas Cowboys, with a total cap hit of $15.3 million including bonuses and incentives. His current contract is a two-year extension signed in 2023 worth $90 million, with $54 million guaranteed, making him one of the highest-paid running backs in the league via OverTheCap.
The contract includes a $30 million signing bonus and $40 million in guaranteed money at signing, with annual salaries of $15 million and $16 million for the 2024 and 2025 seasons respectively. His cap space impact has remained consistent, and the deal features no offset language, giving Elliott full control over his future via Spotrac.
Career Earnings and Franchise Records
Ezekiel Elliott has earned over $100 million in total career salary through the 2024 season, with the bulk coming from his six-year, $90 million extension with Dallas signed in 2023. He holds the Cowboys franchise record for rushing yards in a single season with 1,631 yards in 2018, a campaign that also earned him a $2.1 million performance bonus via Forbes.
His cumulative earnings through 2024 place him among the top five highest-paid running backs in NFL history by total contract value. Elliott has also earned additional income from off-field ventures and endorsement deals, though the majority of his wealth remains tied to his NFL contracts with Dallas and the Houston Texans via Business Insider.
Comparison to Other NFL Running Backs
Ezekiel Elliott's average annual salary of $15 million ranks him in the top tier of NFL running backs, trailing only players like Christian McCaffrey and Derrick Henry in total earnings. His cap hit in 2024 is comparable to elite pass-catching backs, despite his role as a primary rusher for Dallas via OverTheCap.
When measured by total career earnings, Elliott sits ahead of most second-tier running backs and is on pace to surpass $120 million by the end of his current deal. His salary reflects his status as a former first-round pick and Pro Bowl running back with sustained production across eight NFL seasons via Spotrac.