I don't believe that's true.
I do. Zeke was their highest pick in the last what 25 years?
Once they decided to draft a RB they were married to him for a good while.
I was absolutely shocked they selected Zeke at 4 after showing they felt RB was basically with safety and DT in value but someone convinced them Zeke was the next Emmitt and they caved.
They certainly could have not signed him but they would have ensured a protracted hold out that potentially laid a season of failure at the front office's feet.
And made the 4 overall pick an epic bust of Mo Claiborne proportions.
Picking him at 4 meant you are open to paying him franchise RB money.
Same as the Giants with Barkley.
Will be interesting to see if they extend him in the off-season having just now had ACL surgery or wait til his final season and run out of room for the extension cash to be spread out.