Bell says Cowboys 'gotta pay up' for Elliott
Ezekiel Elliott is reportedly considering following in Le'Veon Bell's footsteps by holding out during the regular season in order to try forcing a new contract from the Dallas Cowboys.
On Tuesday, Bell - who sat out the entire 2018 season instead of playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers before hitting free agency and signing with the New York Jets - called for the Cowboys to give his fellow running back a new deal.
they gotta pay up, period 🙌🏾 https://t.co/M08n7VQCsc
— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) August 6, 2019
Elliott is currently staying away from training camp and reportedly hopes to become the NFL's highest-paid running back.
However, the Cowboys have insisted they won't reset any position market for their trio of offensive stars - Elliott, quarterback Dak Prescott, and receiver Amari Cooper.
Additionally, Bell's situation was different from the one Elliott is currently facing.
The former Steelers standout was slapped with the franchise tag for the second straight year last offseason, but knew he'd almost certainly hit the open market this offseason and opted against signing the $14.45-million, one-year tender.
However, Elliott has two years remaining on his rookie contract, which is set to pay him $3.853 million this season and $9.09 million in 2020. If he skips a season, his contract will toll a year, meaning he'd be no closer to free agency and would make his 2019 salary in 2020.