Elliott offended by comment, and Jones doesn’t care
FRISCO, TEXAS — Jerry Jones doesn’t believe he crossed a line.
Jones joked “Zeke who?” when asked Saturday night after the Cowboys-Rams pre-season game about his star running back.
Ezekiel Elliott’s agent, Rocky Arceneaux, told ESPN on Monday that Elliott and his agents weren’t amused. “We actually thought it was disrespectful,” Arceneaux added.
Jones still refused to budge. “I’ve earned the right with Zeke to joke. Period. I’ve earned it,” Jones told reporters on Tuesday, after announcing a five-year, $64million extension for Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith.
Jones was emotional in Smith’s news conference, attributing teary eyes partially to Smith’s recovery from a knee injury, as well as getting no sleep Monday night while in Chicago to negotiate toward the league’s next collective bargaining agreement.
But when asked about Elliott’s agent, Jones was serious.
“Let me be real clear about it,” he repeated, “I’ve earned that right to joke.”
Elliott’s holdout has stretched 26 days of training camp as he seeks a long-term extension. With two years left under contract, he is scheduled to make $3.8 million this year and more than $9 million on his fifth-year option in 2020. But Elliott, who has led the league in rushing yards per game each of his three seasons, wants more. The Cowboys have said they have offered Elliott, quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver Amari Cooper deals that would make each “at least” among the five highest paid at their positions.
None has agreed to a deal the Cowboys offered.
“The way to get this done is people to have thought about team,” Jones said Tuesday, noting quick negotiations with Smith and his representatives. “That’s certainly in Jaylon’s mind. He’s a good example.”
Cowboys rookie Tony Pollard has taken first-team snaps in Elliott’s absence. He’s impressed coaches and teammates with his versatility running between the tackles, receiving and on special teams. Jones specifically said Saturday night after his joke that Pollard would complement Elliott, not replace him.
“Nobody’s getting cute here,” the owner said. “It’ll certainly be a great complement to have a great running game. I can picture those guys in the same sets at the same time out there really giving those defences fits.”
In three years, Elliott has rushed for 4,048 yards and 28 touchdowns in 40 games. He also has caught 135 passes for 1,199 yards and six scores.
The Cowboys plan to again feature him in their run-first offence under first-year co-ordinator Kellen Moore. But Moore’s installation the last month has progressed without Elliott in attendance.
Stephen Jones said Tuesday that he’s “optimistic” about the timeline for a deal as the Sept. 8 opener approaches. The two sides have laid groundwork and had conversations, Stephen Jones added.
Jerry Jones said he hasn’t talked to Elliott but stands by his support. “I’ve never equivocated on Zeke, the quality of player he is and his importance to us,” Jones said. “I don’t equivocate on that at all. But the team takes precedent over — and that is my judgment — the team takes precedent at a point over the opinion or demand of the individual. The team takes precedent. This was a team move we’re talking about today. A real team move.
“And I’ve got some backbone to keep it that way.”