5 worst contracts in the NFL heading into the 2023 offseason

Nov 13, 2022; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) walks off the field after throwing an interception to end the game during the second half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 2, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) signals a first down in the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

Elliott proved why NFL teams shouldn’t pay running backs

Early in his career, Ezekiel Elliott was a stud running back that the Cowboy’s offense consistently moved through. He had a rare blend of power and speed that made him hard to bring down. Dallas rewarded Elliott to the tune of a six-year, 90-million-dollar contract that runs through 2026.

The issue is, running backs rarely hold up over time, and even if they do, they wear down quickly and have little impact on long-term success. Elliott has been no different. Injuries have slowed him down, and while Dallas has been a successful team, it has been due to their passing offense and stout defense.

Elliott isn’t even the best running back on his team anymore, and that deal sticks out as a bad one because of it. He can be cut this offseason and would in turn save just under $5 million, but that doesn’t negate the fact that this deal has been poor. His money could have easily been spent better elsewhere.

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