Cowboys pick up 5th-year option on Ezekiel Elliott contract

FRISCO, Texas (AP) — The Dallas Cowboys have picked up the fifth-year option on Ezekiel Elliott’s rookie contract, keeping the star running back with the club at least through 2020.

The two-time NFL rushing champion is set to make $3.9 million this season and $9.1 million in his fifth year unless Elliott and the team agree on a contract before then. The Cowboys have said they want a long-term deal with the fourth overall pick from the 2016 draft.

Elliott and quarterback Dak Prescott led Dallas to the NFC East title during their sensational rookie seasons in 2016, when the former Ohio State star rushed for 1,631 yards and 15 touchdowns.

The Cowboys missed the playoffs in 2017 when Elliott was suspended for six games over domestic violence allegations but still led the NFL in yards per game.

Elliott had 1,434 yards for his second rushing title in three years last season as Dallas won the division again, beat Seattle in a wild-card game and lost to the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round. The 23-year-old also set a club record for a running back with 77 catches (567 yards receiving).