DALLAS _ A source said there remains significant ground to cover as talks between the Cowboys and Ezekiel Elliott continue.
The two sides returned to the table in the last 24 hours in the hopes of hammering out an agreement that would get Elliott back on the field for the regular season opener. That remains the goal.
But the characterization that significant differences exist indicates that Elliott's representatives still seek a contract that exceeds Todd Gurley's contract with the LA Rams while the Cowboys are reluctant to scale those heights since the Pro Bowl running back still has two years left on his current contract.
The gap in average salary between Gurley, who tops the running back list at $14.3 million, and Le'Veon Bell, next at $13.1 million, isn't the issue. It's the gulf in guaranteed money that makes these negotiations difficult.
Gurley had a $45 million guarantee in the four-year, $57.5 million extension he signed last summer. Arizona's David Johnson is next in terms of guarantee with $31.8 million. Bell's guarantee from the New York Jets earlier this year was $27 million.
When the Cowboys talk publicly about not wanting to set the market in negotiations, this is an example. Gurley's guarantee is more than $13 million beyond the next player at his position.
These are a few of the points the two sides continue to discuss. While it's accurate to portray that talks are intensifying this weekend, remember, that's in the context of no meaningful dialogue taking place in previous weeks.
The Cowboys return to the practice field Monday to prepare for their opener against the New York Giants. The players are off Tuesday before returning on Wednesday for three consecutive days of practice.
Will Elliott join his teammates on Labor Day? If not then, will he be back by Wednesday?
That depends on how much ground the two sides can cover in the next 72 hours.
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