Report: Cowboys' Elliott wants contract extension in 2019

Ezekiel Elliott is ready to get paid.

The Dallas Cowboys running back would prefer a contract extension this offseason rather than in 2020, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Elliott, who wrapped up his third regular season in the NFL, is averaging $6.24 million on his rookie contract, according to Spotrac. As a former first-round pick, he won't hit free agency until 2021 (after Dallas picks up his fifth-year option).

Running backs usually don't receive extensions three years into their rookie deal, but Rapoport notes that Elliott's workload is a driving force behind his request. He's accumulated 868 career carries, averaging 289 per season.

The Cowboys already have a number of decisions to make this offseason, with extensions for quarterback Dak Prescott, defensive end Demarcus Lawrence, and cornerback Byron Jones among them.

Elliott is coming off a spectacular campaign, leading Dallas into the playoffs. He averaged 4.7 yards per carry while pacing the league in rushing for the second time in his career.