Report: Cowboys, Zeke aiming to finalize deal this weekend

The negotiations between the Dallas Cowboys and running back Ezekiel Elliott have intensified and both parties are aiming to wrap up a new deal this weekend, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Elliott is reportedly seeking to become the NFL's highest-paid running back, surpassing Todd Gurley's annual average salary of $14.38 million.

The 24-year-old Elliott has been away from the Cowboys throughout the summer as he holds out for a new contract. He has two years remaining on his current agreement but reportedly told the team he has no intentions of playing in 2019 without a new deal.

Owner Jerry Jones has been adamant that a deal with the disgruntled back will be reached but stated Wednesday that he was prepared for Elliott to miss games.

"We may very well play without a player that's not coming in on his contract," he said.

Elliott had a league-high 1,434 rushing yards on 304 carries in 2018. He also added 567 yards through the air and totaled nine touchdowns.