Todd Gurley held the title of being the highest-paid running back in the NFL for just over a year, but Ezekiel Elliott took the crown this week when he signed an extension with the Dallas Cowboys. Elliott’s six-year, $90 million deal will pay him $15 million per year, eclipsing Gurley’s average of $14.375 million per year.
Gurley isn’t the least bit bothered by being No. 2 now and shared his excitement for Elliott on Twitter. He congratulated the Cowboys running back on his massive extension.
Gurley helped set the table for Elliott by resetting the running back market last year. It set the baseline for Elliott in his negotiations with the Cowboys, hoping to eclipse’ Gurley’s deal after leading the NFL in rushing twice in three years.
Elliott should thank Gurley for breaking the bank and helping him land the contract he just did. Elliott is certainly deserving, but someone had to reset the running back market first. Gurley happily did the honors.
