Valley Ranch Review: Greg Ellis unwelcome at remaining OTAs?

by Dave Halprin on May 26, 2009 12:30 AM CDT in News Comment 74 comments

It looks pretty serious on the Greg Ellis front. The SAE-N reports that Ellis won't be attending any of the upcoming OTAs.

Citing anonymous sources, several media outlets reported last week that the team told [Greg] Ellis, 33, he wouldn't be allowed to participate in the remainder of the OTAs. According to those reports, the Cowboys are going to either trade or release Ellis, an 11-year veteran.

For the record, here's the rest of the offseason schedule. Two more weeks of OTAs, three sessions each week. Mandatory mini-camp June 15-17.

The Cowboys got rid of one WR who couldn't stay out of the news, now his replacement can't either. Through no fault of his own, WR Roy Williams is the subject of numerous speculative articles recently. One subject that always comes up is his chemistry with Tony Romo. According to the DMN, they've been working on that.

There has been an emphasis this off-season to form a connection between the two. [Tony] Romo has thrown to [Roy] Williams 20 to 30 minutes a day for an average of four days a week since March 2. Romo praised Williams for his hard work and route running after the team's first OTA last week.

How about the other Roy Williams, the one that used to be a Cowboy? Here's what the Bengals safeties coach says about RW1.

"He's done a great job with low body position, great knee bend, coming out of his breaks and he's really taking to the system," Cioffi said. "He's shown the ability to cover receivers and tight ends in this camp."

"From Day One when he arrived here he's shown he has the ability to cover," Cioffi said. "It's never been an issue with us like it has been with others. In the one-on-one drills he's covering tight ends and receivers."

Insert your own joke here.

The Star-T has an interesting piece on Dallas drafts from long ago when the ‘Boys used to take some chances on unusual prospects.

Whenever a franchise becomes ultra-popular in their sport and accumulates untold numbers of fans, they become hated - and they're compared to the Dallas Cowboys. Even in the other ‘football' it happens.

I know it has been customary these days to compare Manchester United with the Yankees (a team I loathe) of American baseball or the N.F.L.'s Dallas Cowboys (see Yankees), but I latched onto Manchester United nearly 40 years ago.

Vrr_btb_medium

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Comments

roy williams, cover safety?

they must have great wrs and tes!

by g8tgod on May 26, 2009 1:53 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Its easy to cover TEs & WRs when the ones who show up to to camp are,,,,

Uhhh….. IDK. Who have they got? Ocho Cinco didnt show & their best TE is ??? Mike Zimmer

by Impatient on May 26, 2009 8:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Still can't believe

that they’re thinking of just releasing Greg Ellis. We are going to miss having depth of his quality at linebacker.

by Cowboys4Life on May 26, 2009 2:01 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

i am wondering what ellis did to get this treatment

is it just his contract/age combo, or did they get tired of his whining?

the draft would seem to indicate that they’ve been thinking about it for a while.

by g8tgod on May 26, 2009 2:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm wondering the same thing.

Maybe he’s doing more whining than we’re catching wind of. Those whispers can be even more damaging than talking to the press.

Is it too early to ask what round I should aim for Felix in my fantasy football league?

by Aaron Novinger on May 26, 2009 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

They want Spencer to be focused at starting and don't want the distractions of Ellis.....

They must also like what they see from the young guys, and YES…..Carpenter.. It would be nice to get something in return for Ellis, but at 33 soon to be 34 yr old LB with diminshing skills at his salary will be very hard. I’m all for trading or releasing him as I was last year…..it’s about time. Make it a clean sweep and get rid of the final distraction on the team……

by Boyzfan94 on May 26, 2009 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He's trade value is 0 if he gets hurt

and Dallas is on the books for him if he gets hurt doing something football related. I’m saddened that this is how it happens, but this is how it happens.

by AustonianAggie on May 26, 2009 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Uhhhh, NO.

Moving Greg Ellis has absolutely zero to do with Bobby Carpenter. Carpenter is an ILB (and likely won’t make it past training camp this year, in my opinion). Giving Ellis his release is all about Wade believing in Spencer and Jerry wanting to make sure both of the drafted OLBs make the roster.

by greatwhitenorth on May 26, 2009 2:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think Bobby will see more of a role this year.

He will be a key player on ST and most likely will see more reps in preseason to see if he’s able to preform up to what he should be able to.

by regaberto on May 26, 2009 4:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Barbie's role will be strictly as a nickel backer

If he can hold off Williams and Hodge, he’ll essentially replace Burnett in that role, but that will be it.

He’s not nearly physical or tough enough to be an every down player.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on May 26, 2009 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Time to dump

Carpenter and move forward. Carp was a legacy pick by the sentimental Bill Parcells, and he just did not deliver the goods.

Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.

by OskieOskie on May 27, 2009 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

thats because he's not a 3-4 ILB

simply not tough or physical enough to play the position. He’s strictly a 4-3 OLB and should have been drafted by a 4-3 team, certainly not by us.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on May 27, 2009 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Get over it both of you guys....for the 100th time...Carpenter is NOT going anywhere....deal with it...

by Boyzfan94 on May 27, 2009 8:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I never said he was...this year

but he’ll never start for the Cowboys and once Williams and Hodge are ready, he’s as good as gone.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on May 28, 2009 8:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don't get your hopes too high on two 4th round picks....

by Boyzfan94 on May 28, 2009 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

.....

Wasn’t Williams picked in the third?

They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.

by AirforceBat on May 28, 2009 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

well, they're going to be much higher

than the hopes I had for Barbie, thats for damn sure.

BTW, Williams was a 3rd rd pick.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on May 29, 2009 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I doubt they just

release him.

They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.

by AirforceBat on May 26, 2009 8:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

their behavior suggests they believe a trade will happen.

by AustonianAggie on May 26, 2009 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Simple...

It’s about the money. We spent a #1 draft pick to play this position (Spencer) and Ellis will count about $5 million against the cap if we keep him. There’s not much more to it and he will be realeased, no team will make an offer knowing the cowboys can’t afford to keep both Spencer and Ellis.

by ManTab on May 26, 2009 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dallas can afford it

But Jerry Jones committed earlier this year to having a new team to go with the new stadium – it’d definately be a new team without Ellis

by AustonianAggie on May 26, 2009 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It would be stupid to just release him

Get value JJ dont be stupid.

by regaberto on May 26, 2009 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

JJ will get value for releasing Ellis.

At least $4mill in cap space. That’s value you can keep in the bank.

by danielt on May 26, 2009 2:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yet another great Grizz line...

“From Day One when he arrived here he’s shown he has the ability to cover,” Cioffi said. “It’s never been an issue with us like it has been with others. In the one-on-one drills he’s covering tight ends and receivers.” – Bengals Coach

Insert your own joke here. (BTB’s finest)

… I’m in the LAND of Manchester United fans. In fact, all of Asia is enthralled with English Premier-League football. When you watch the highlights of these games, they rival any ESPN sportscenter highlight reel… there is some real talent. I don’t expect the US of A to embrace soccer any time soon, but the way we write it off — no discussion — speaks more to a lack of understanding/appreciation than anything else.

Rugby’s another one… check out this YouTube of a Rugby 7s Tournament.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DEubUz7fTk

The thing about this sport is that it is like one long NFL punt return, mixed with the Cal-Berkeley / Stanford Band highlight reel… all done by guys the size of Tight ends and Line-backers… AND the 7s game does not even get the best players! They play the more traditional (and slower) Rugby 15s. I lived in Fiji for a couple of years, and they’re considered the BEST in this sport, so search Serevi (one of their stars) or just Fiji Sevens for more…

And honestly, the highlights don’t even begin to demonstrate what an exciting game this is… 7 minute halves without time stopping, and scores of 35-20. I’m not saying it’s better than the NFL, just that it is pretty cool stuff.

Sorry for the tangent, but the Man U post got me going!

Tar Heels = National Champs in Basketball ... #1 in Baseball ... Top 10 this year in Football?

by DalaiLuke on May 26, 2009 2:02 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

sorry, but if you don't have much time... just check out the quick passing at the 1:35 mark of that video

Tar Heels = National Champs in Basketball ... #1 in Baseball ... Top 10 this year in Football?

by DalaiLuke on May 26, 2009 2:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Last one, promise ... and thanks for indulging me if you could care less...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJy2DTjC0_c

The first couple of minutes shows some cool stuff…

Again, this is a game with 7 – on – 7 … that plays like one long punt return / Cal-Stanford band highlight.

This is the finals of an annual tournament in Hong Kong, with 40+ countries, one game scheduled every 20 minutes (you see 3 games / 6 countries / hour) … it’s mostly a HUGE cocktail party in the stands. And the game is excellent.

Okay, promise that was the last!!! Thanks for indulging my tangent — but hey, it’s off-season MAY!!!

Tar Heels = National Champs in Basketball ... #1 in Baseball ... Top 10 this year in Football?

by DalaiLuke on May 26, 2009 2:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for the Replays

I played Rugby when I lived in HK in the early 90’s and of course, went to the 7’s every year. My son played mini-rugby as well. My career ended with 3 cracked ribs against a touring Kiwi side in a 10’s match the weekend of the 7’s. Good times

'It is not enough for me to win. My enemies must lose' - David Merrick

by tdships on May 26, 2009 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That toon will change real quick the first time he get's smoked by Dallas Clark, or Antonio Gates...........

He goes to Cinci and all of a sudden he is able to cover and run with TE’s and WR;s……LMAO!!………. sure……

by Boyzfan94 on May 26, 2009 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

moving backwards

I think letting TO go was a mistake and if anyone thinks differently, just wait til the end of this coming season and see the stats for yourself – TO will rule especially with a quality QB at the helm. Witten will suffer as teams will double him now.
The Cowboys have been playing this game with Greg for the last few seasons and I hope they do trade him so he can get the respect he deserves. Teams can double D-Ware now without worry about the other side.
This addition by subtraction just aint adding up….
The Cowboys will live & die by the success of the backfield and Marion, Felix & Tashard will hopefully all stay healthy and dominate. They will need to rack up about 30 points a game since our defense will be giving up about 29 per game.

Blessings, Carlton
www.carltonwardphoto.com

by Carlton39 on May 26, 2009 2:15 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

So giving up Ellis reluts in our D giving up almost 30 ppg?

absolutely no way that happens. I say we are more likely ot be a top 5 D than in the bottom 5.

by aussie_cowboy on May 26, 2009 2:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

How many more times...

are people going to bring up this nonsense that Witten will struggle now TO’s gone.

Here’s Witten’s two seasons (04 and 05) without TO;

87 catches, 980 yards, 6 TD’s and 66 catches, 757 yards, and 6 TD’s.

That’s with the ancient (and average) duo of Vinny Testerverde and Drew Bledsoe throwing him the football.

So with those facts in mind, you think Witten, with a much better QB throwing to him than his terrific TO-less 04 & 05, will all of a sudden struggle? He’s the best TE in football, he was before TO got here and he still is now TO’s gone, he’ll be fine.

by Luke. on May 26, 2009 3:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nice TO rebuttal

And, the offense can mature without the ego focus on Mr. TO who will throw a hissy fit if we don’t send him the ball 50 percent of the time; oh wait, we did that once and he still threw a hissy fit. TO will not be missed.

by Iowacowboy on May 26, 2009 6:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You think teams weren't paying full attention to Ware already?

Just because Ellis is gone doesn’t mean all the sacks disappear. Dallas ranked first with 59 sacks last year. Take away Ellis’s 8 sacks and Dallas is still tied for first with Pittsburgh at 51 sacks. Don’t underestimate what a sack machine this Defense was last year (particularly in that hot streak). And there’s three main reasons why the D ranked 1st in sacks and none of those three are Greg Ellis. They’re Jay Ratliff, Demarcus Ware and Wade Phillips.

by Luke. on May 26, 2009 3:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Did you watch the games last year...

TO was getting old and very quickly if not for blowing up the 49ers, we would’ve gotten rid of TO for a lack of production. About Ellis making our ppg allowed drop 8 points…. he was declining as well, our defense won’t have to consistently start defending at mid-field this year, I doubt we go through another drought of INTs that we did last year, went from 17 in 07 to like 5. And I’m am sure that everyone on this offense will be much happier that TO is gone by the end of the regular season because now everyone won’t be in his shadow and they will finally get to contribute to the team more, if TO was here would Choice get any touches, nope but now he’s gone Garrett can run the ball when he wants and doesn’t have to think if the spoiled baby will cry that he didn’t get the ball. And Witten will be fine. You don’t get called the best TE because of a WR

"We play to win the game" - Herm Edwards

by nicholas.rodriguez on May 26, 2009 4:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Please explain

to me how over the last three years Romo to Owens produced more TDs than any other QB/ receiver tandem in the NFL and you call this a “lack of production.” Just how does that work? As for Choice getting touches as compared to T.O. you really are not serious are you? Choice is a second year back who did a good job while Barber was injured but he is NOT a difference maker which Owens is. You call Owens spoiled but I have seen Marvin Harrison, Jerry Rice, Keyshawn Johnson and many other WRs complain when they aren’t involved in the offense. These guys are competitors who want to help their team win. Would you rather they say “please throw to someone else.” This makes no sense to me.

by jevans1729 on May 26, 2009 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I will...

Make this simple.

We didn’t win a damn thing with them here anyway. And you are acting like we did.

How many times did Terrell Owens light it up last season? And Ellis?

In football you can’t sit around and think these players don’t lose a step. They don’t stay ‘great’ forever and at some point you need to part ways with them and let the young pups have a shot at prospering.

Miles Austin and Anthony Spencer.

Do work young fellas and everyone will have long forgotten about Owens of Ellis by midseason.

Go Cowboys!

by DCFanatic on May 26, 2009 4:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was going to pile on Carlton

But I see everyone beat me to it. There’s another Cowboy’s blog you can visit if all you want to do is spew negativity. You’ll fit right in.

Nobody in football should be called a genius. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein.

Joe ThEEsman

by SB Six on May 26, 2009 5:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Seemed to Me Logical to Offer Rebuttal

to the we will miss TO mantra. I did not see much negativity. TO evokes strong passion; that is is his strength; he is an interesting character; too bad he is borderline sociopathic; could have been an all time great; now he is just another figure in NFL history without a championship, even though he makes the HOF.

by Iowacowboy on May 26, 2009 6:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I do not see the replies as a pile on, they are using facts for a rebuttal one his ignorant comments

Any cowboy fan that does not know that witten was producing before TO was here was ignoring facts or ignorant. There was not name calling or personal attacks; their rebuttal matched the tone of his comment.

Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!

by cowboy78 on May 26, 2009 8:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"Quality QB at the helm."

Did I miss where Tom Brady went to the Bills?

Trent Edwards threw 11TDS 10 INTS last year.

Your whole statement is full of holes.

They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.

by AirforceBat on May 26, 2009 8:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

There is the “voice of reason” … and then there is just baseless pessimism. This whole thing — the defense giving up 29?? — is laughable.

Tar Heels = National Champs in Basketball ... #1 in Baseball ... Top 10 this year in Football?

by DalaiLuke on May 26, 2009 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, Trent Edwards killed me in FF last season as my backup.

GAwDawful!

Is it too early to ask what round I should aim for Felix in my fantasy football league?

by Aaron Novinger on May 26, 2009 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm a sucker for QBs with more TDs than INTs

I think the bills will be infinitely more watchable this year… too bad about their lack of LT… Imagine facing Joey Porter with a hole at LT

by AustonianAggie on May 26, 2009 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hmm, maybe I should franchise Marshawn over Gore.

Is it too early to ask what round I should aim for Felix in my fantasy football league?

by Aaron Novinger on May 26, 2009 1:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

hmm

Sometimes I have trouble determining whether a person is trolling or just egregiously misinformed. Either way, why bother?

by sublimezg on May 26, 2009 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well said

So without Ellis (the key to defensive success) the Boys will be allowing close to 30 ppg?

Buffalo has a franchise QB in Edwards?

I’m going with the egregiously misinformed choice.

Training Camp '09 = Mega Thunder Dome....80 men enter, 53 men leave.

by APerfectStar on May 27, 2009 5:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

T.O Witten and Ellis

T.O. is gone and we should now look forward or we will never get anything done. Witten is a class act and will always get open even if he is double teamed. If he is doubled it will open up for others surely! Greg Ellis is on a downward spiral and has moaned for the last few years despite the salary and the trust put in him. I say trade him!

by scotsman55 on May 26, 2009 4:59 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Beware the T.O. tweet

Didn’t we just find out last week that DeMarcus Ware had a twitter impostor?

WELCOME HOME SEVEN!!

by Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) on May 26, 2009 5:01 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Tweets Are Being Sabatoged All Over

True; twitter is open to hacking . . . but TO has not denied this

by Iowacowboy on May 26, 2009 7:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Proof

Apparently, the twitter account in question is listed as a link at T.O’s official website. So for now it would appear to be the real deal

by Cowboyfan729 on May 26, 2009 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Although

Now though, I am not sure because on his twitter account I don’t see the comment itself. He does seem to reference speaking his mind though which could be a reference to the comment. Truly, I am not sure what to think because I am not familiar with how Twitter works.

by Cowboyfan729 on May 26, 2009 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Irrespective of Greg's future with the team,

he does not need to be at the OTAs, and his activities at the mandatory mini-camp could/should be limited. If with the team in 2009, he will be a situational pass rusher, and does not require work on this part of his game. Release him if a better option for the 80 man roster is identified early, need cap space now to complete the Ware deal…, else retain his services as long as is possible until it is evident that there is no interest in a trade (likely to be the case), and Victor Butler and Brandon Williams establish themselves as NFL-worthy. Despite his whining, Greg has been a good teammate, a willing teacher, and I think could benefit Butler and Williams in their transition to OLB. Greg knows that if Dallas releases him, he collects $1.5 million and will likely be signed by another team. I think most of us would take that deal, and not look back.

by DannyG on May 26, 2009 6:59 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Agreed, Danny ... part of me thinks this was actually a favor to Ellis... they could have used him in camp

I also keep saying it: Jerry’s wallet is tapped, don’t underestimate this in any decision-making. He just saved 4 million US dollars. Last year I saved a little less.

Tar Heels = National Champs in Basketball ... #1 in Baseball ... Top 10 this year in Football?

by DalaiLuke on May 26, 2009 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I really hate it when the old-pros go. I still haven't gotten over Randy White leaving after Jerry/Jimmy took

over. And Drew Pearsons’ retirement just floored me. But my all time downer was when they released Bob Hayes. Ellis leaving won’t be any easy pill to swallow, but Spencer may make it right. Owens wasn’t a long time Cowboy so I have no pangs about his release. I wish him well, and he did excite at times.

Family, Friends, Cowboys, Beer & BBQ. Life is good!

by CowboyMan on May 26, 2009 12:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I'd feel much better about ditching Ellis

If we had seen more of Spencer in the last two years. He is still something of an unknown commodity.

by I_miss_Switzer on May 26, 2009 1:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Apparently official

I was watching the news at noon here in DFW and they said that Jerry has come out and said officially that Ellis will not be back with the team this year. I found a link on ESPN.com.

"So you can’t stiff arm at all? What about the throat?"- Marion "Barbarian" Barber

by DC_fan on May 26, 2009 1:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

We are too thin at OLB, so we get rid of Ellis and now what?

Why don’t we get rid of Hurd and Austin too while were at it? (Sarcasm)

by torchindefenses on May 26, 2009 2:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Maybe there serious in Both Williams and Butler to make impacts.

If thats so releasing Ellis would make sense.

by regaberto on May 26, 2009 4:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

that won't happen

The conversion form DE to OLB is very difficult, this will be very much a learning year for both rookies.

Their only impact will be on ST or situational pass rushers.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on May 26, 2009 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I meant just as Pass Rushers.

I would think they would be able to fill Ellis role fairly easy seeing as a DE and a situational pass rusher do the same thing just standing up.

by regaberto on May 26, 2009 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agree

The only trouble would be if Spencer goes down, then the decision looks iffy.

Training Camp '09 = Mega Thunder Dome....80 men enter, 53 men leave.

by APerfectStar on May 27, 2009 5:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm speaking in terms if either Spencer or Ware get hurt

then we’re in big trouble because the rooks can’t be every down players this year.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on May 27, 2009 8:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The biggest problem with releasing Ellis...

is that he’s almost guaranteed to end up with Philly or Washington as a free agent. Both teams could use his pass rush skills, and you know he’d love to come back and make Jerry pay for ruining his last chance at a big payday. If I’m Jerry, I’d take the first offer that the Bengals give, even if it’s just a handful of plastic peanuts.

Seriously, I wonder if Ellis would be willing to re-negotiate his deal – add a year or two to make it more cap-friendly for whatever team wants to trade for him. Of course, he has zero reason to do that, but it would make trading him out of the division much more likely.

by greatwhitenorth on May 26, 2009 2:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Well, he hasn't been playing DE for a while

I like Ellis but if someone told me Philly and Washington were going to get in to a bidding war for a mid30s DE who’s a liability against the run, I’d be all for it

by AustonianAggie on May 26, 2009 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

pass-rush specialist

Plain and simple, Ellis is better at rushing the passer than anyone Washington has, and just behind Cole in Philly. Neither of them would be counting on him for run support, just line him up and get after the QB on 3rd down. And it’s not like there would be a bidding war, it would likely be $1 million for a year. Great value for what Ellis would bring. I’d rather see him in the AFC.

by greatwhitenorth on May 26, 2009 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs