The Dallas Cowboys have begun their training camp in Oxnard, California but there is a key player absent. Ezekiel Elliott has decided to hold out of camp in hopes to receive a new deal from Dallas.

According to Jane Slater of NFL Network, Dallas is waiting for an Ezekiel Elliott counter offer. On Saturday, it was reported that the Cowboys extended a preliminary offer to Elliott and his management team.

The Cowboys star running back is entering the second-to-last year on his rookie deal. This season, Elliott is set to make just $3.8 million and next season he will make nearly $9.1 million.

With how much Elliott is used in the offense, he is trying to get a deal that likely makes him one of (if not) the highest-paid running back(s) in the NFL. As a result, expect his deal with Dallas to be around what the Arizona Cardinals gave David Johnson last offseason (three-year, $39 million).

Article Continues Below
More Dallas Cowboys News
Kevontae Turpin, Cowboys
2 Cowboys underrated sleepers who could break out in 2025 NFL seasonDouglas Fritz ·
Sep 22, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) throws during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
What Jake Ferguson loves about Dak Prescott amid minicampMike Gianakos ·
Oct 6, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) walks off the field against the Dallas Cowboys during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Cowboys’ George Pickens reveals Dallas’ offensive key ‘others don’t do’Josh Davis ·
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) looks on in the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium.
George Pickens reveals biggest difference from Steelers to CowboysBenedetto Vitale ·
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) calls out before a play against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium.
Cowboys rumors: Why the pressure is on for Dak Prescott after George Pickens tradeMatty Breisch ·
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (7) smiles while talking with linebacker Micah Parsons (11) on the sideline during the fourth quarter of their game against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium
Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs get huge Cowboys minicamp updatesBen Strauss ·

As for Elliott, the Cowboys offense revolves around him. His ability to make plays on the ground and through the air make him arguably the best running back. In just three seasons, Elliott has already received 1,003 touches at the running back position.

Therefore, Elliott is trying to receive a deal that provides him some insurance for his body. It's likely that he is heading into another season where he is given 350+ touches again. One point that helps Elliott is that he just turned 24-years old nearly a week ago.

With that being said, the Cowboys should be more comfortable giving Elliott a long-term extension. As for the Cowboys, Dallas will play the waiting game as they wait for Elliott to respond to their latest contract offer.