Ezekiel Elliott on Being NFL's Highest-Paid RB: 'I Believe I'm the Best'

Ezekiel Elliott's new contract with the Dallas Cowboys reflects his belief that he's the NFL's top running back. 

"It was [important] because I believe I'm the best," he told reporters following Wednesday's practice.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Jane Slater reported early Wednesday that Elliott agreed to a six-year, $90 million extension with the Cowboys. Combined with the two years remaining on his rookie deal, the total value is worth $103 million, with about half of the money guaranteed. 

Wednesday marked Elliott's first day back with the Cowboys following a lengthy holdout that dates back to when the team left for training camp July 25. 

Elliott's extension is by far the largest deal for a running back. The contract Todd Gurley II signed with the Los Angeles Rams last year had been the high-water mark with $57.5 million in total value and $45 million in total guarantees, per Over the Cap. 

Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett told reporters Monday he isn't concerned about Elliott's ability to be ready when the regular season begins. 

"Zeke is as capable as anybody I know," Garrett said. "He's an experienced player, he's been a really good player for us, he knows our system of football. I don't think they'll be a lot of learning there. He's a smart guy, an instinctive guy. But again, that’s a hypothetical."

Neither Dallas nor Elliott has said if he will be on the field for Sunday's season opener against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium. Slater reported "the plan right now is about 20-25 reps."

The Cowboys offense is certainly more dynamic when Elliott is on the field. The 24-year-old has led the NFL in rushing yards per game in each of his first three seasons and total rushing yards twice since 2016. He set career highs last year with 381 touches and 2,001 yards from scrimmage.