EAGAN, Minn. -- Ezekiel Elliott became the highest-paid running back in NFL history two months ago, resetting the market with his $15 million annual salary.
His extension was a victory for the running back position. The Dallas Cowboys' decision to give Elliott a six-year, $90 million deal (more than $50 million in guarantees) highlighted the position’s worth in an era when NFL running backs have been considered expendable pieces that can be replaced every few years.
"Running backs are valuable," Vikings running back Dalvin Cook said. "We take a lot of beating in pass [protection].