How Ezekiel Elliot’s contract bonuses with the Dallas Cowboys break down

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The Dallas Cowboys have made a move in free agency which has tapped into the nostalgia of all the fans by bringing back Ezekiel Elliott.

Jerry Jones was on the prowl for a new starting running back in 2024 after their latest starter Tony Pollard pursued a move in free agency.

Pollard was scooped up by the Tennessee Titans and penned a three-year deal ending the Cowboys’ hopes of resigning him.

Elliot and Jones conversed before they failed to draft Brooks in the NFL Draft

Before the NFL Draft, the 81-year-old owner had a brief conversation with Elliott but confirmed it was just a catch-up.

However, the calamity of missing out on Jonathon Brooks in the Draft has pushed the franchise to tie down their third all-time rushing leader.

Earlier this week we found out the 28-year-old would be inking a one-year deal which was valued up to $3 million.

Peanuts, when you compare it to the monstrous $90 million record-breaking deal he signed in 2019 with America’s Team.

ESPN Cowboys reporter Todd Archer took to X and broke down the numbers embedded with his contract.

Even though the deal is worth $3 million, there are numerous triggers and incentives Elliott must meet if he is to reach the maximum figure.

Elliott’s guaranteed money based on his new contract

In terms of guaranteed money, the new Cowboys rusher is set to earn $1.625 million.

Furthermore, $1.25 million of that is Elliott’s base salary and $375,000 makes up the remaining guaranteed money as a signing bonus.

The former two-time NFL rushing leader’s cap number is set at $2 million.

In addition, he has an active roster bonus of $375,000, but there is a key fact that Archer points out.

The journalist posted: “Since Elliott played in every game last year, the $375k in active roster bonuses count against the cap now. For every game he potentially misses in 2024, the Cowboys would receive a cap credit ($22,058 per game)”

Big Zeke has the chance to earn up to $1 million in performance incentives

Now, here are his incentives which is what his performances could earn him.

• 1,100 scrimmage yards + playoffs – $250k
• 10 touchdowns + playoffs – $250k
• 51% playtime + playoffs – $500k

All three of Elliott’s performance-based incentives require him and the team to reach the playoffs.

Dallas has made the playoffs the last three years, and although it is not guaranteed, their new rusher is in a good position to reach his targets.

Based on his 1,100-yard target, fans will now know that Elliott is heading into the season as the RB1.

Suggestions had been made that Elliot will be a short-yardage and goal-to-go back but he will have more responsibility than that.