Ezekiel Elliott has forcefully staked his claim as the NFL's best running back over the first three seasons of his career. And if recent momentum is any indication, the Dallas Cowboys superstar will be paid like it sooner rather than later.

According to ESPN's Josina Anderson, Elliott's holdout from training camp could soon end with an extension that would make him the highest-paid running back in the league.

“Just received another positive update on Zeke extension status. Still needs time, but IF things continue on same track, I expect Elliott to be highest paid RB in the NFL across certain metrics. Jives w/ same tone I heard last Fri. Obviously though nothing is done until signed.”

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News of Elliott's potential holdout amid extension negotiations with team officials first surfaced in the days leading up to training camp. When he didn't travel on the Cowboys' charter plane to California last Thursday, it became apparent he planned on leveraging his absence from the first few days of official preparations for the 2019 season into a high-dollar extension.

Elliott, a two-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro since Dallas made him the No. 4 overall pick in 2016, led the NFL in rushing last season with 1,434 yards on 304 carries. He’s scheduled to make just over $9 million in 2020, the final season of his rookie deal.

The New York Jets made Le'Veon Bell the NFL's highest-paid back earlier this offseason, signing him to a four-year, $52.5 million contract that includes $27 million in guarantees. Expect Elliott's new contract to reach those numbers, likely barely surpassing them.