ESPN Dallas: Ellis looking for work

[Coakleys Dad]

Is there room for Greg Ellis with the Cowboys?
March, 10, 2010
MAR 10
9:21
AM CT
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By Calvin Watkins
Greg Ellis wants to comeback and play for the Cowboys.

The outside pass rusher spent the 2009 season in Oakland where he battled shoulder and knee injuries but was tied for the team lead with seven sacks.

By cutting Ellis, the Raiders save $2.5 million.

Whether or not the Cowboys want Ellis to return is uncertain.

One of the reasons the Cowboys let Ellis go last year was age, 34, and complaints.

The Cowboys wanted to move Anthony Spencer into the starting lineup over Ellis and were tired of Ellis talking about playing time and salary.

Ellis' agent, James Williams said Tuesday night his client wouldn't mind coming off the bench and that money isn't that big of an issue. Well that's what Wade Phillips was trying to do the last two years with Ellis. And there doesn't appear to be any hard feelings between the Cowboys and Ellis. Before Ellis was cut on Monday, Stephen Jones, the team vice president, had a friendly conversation with Ellis at the scouting combine.

It would be difficult for Ellis to return especially with the Cowboys depth at outside linebacker.

The starters are DeMarcus Ware and Spencer. Victor Butler, Steve Octavien and Jason Williams are the backups.

However, if the Cowboys feel Ellis can improve the defense and outplay one of these younger kids, then maybe a move might happen.

[TheSport78]

No thank you. Greg won't be open to playing on special teams and that's what Octavien and Butler did last year.

[ThreeSportStar80]

Moving on... NO thanks!

[Coakleys Dad]

my setiments exactly...but i do appreciate what Greg gave us while he was here. A very productive player who did not know when to shut up....
good luck greg.

[austintodallas]

The starters are DeMarcus Ware and Spencer. Victor Butler, Steve Octavien and Jason Williams are the backups.

Um no.

[xWraithx]

will he work for food?

[AmishCowboy]

No, we've already moved on.

[Yeagermeister]

He should have had that attitude while he was here. Pass

[big dog cowboy]

No, we've already moved on.
:signmast:

[zrinkill]

Would not surprise me if he is back .... since we will not be carrying two kickers this year.

[BraveHeartFan]

I'll be surprised, to say the least, if they brought him back. I can't really see that happening.

[justbob]

Hope he finds it ---He should try whiners .com ---maybe they can help a member out....just not here -keep getting younger not older

[Yeagermeister]

I'll be surprised, to say the least, if they brought him back. I can't really see that happening.

As a de only. He's not a lber.

[Alumni2k11]

He should have had that attitude while he was here. Pass

My thoughts exactly

[Apollo Creed]

Hope he gets the vet mininum and plays for a loser.

Will teach you to piss and moan cookie monster.

[casmith07]

Tampa, San Francisco, Chicago, all could use the help.

It wouldn't surprise me to see New England take a flyer on him, either.

[jterrell]

I don't expect him back but also don't hold any grudge.

Many players across all sports get whiny as they fall from starter to backup.

Dallas Mavs cut Michael Finley and he ended up playing the role for the Spurs he would have filled perfectly here had he been able to wrap his head around it.
In reverse Jet Terry was perfect here as a 6th man but as a starter in Atlanta he was not as good.

It's silly to be mad at athletes for being insanely prideful on one hand then demand they play with swagger on the other.

Ellis can make a good 3rd down pass rusher but it is probably for a quality 4-3 team. He'd fit well in Minny as their 3rd DE.

[xpistofer]

He should have had that attitude while he was here. Pass

:hammer:

also, it says alot that Parcells had no interest in him last year...

[Vtwin]

I don't expect him back but also don't hold any grudge.

Many players across all sports get whiny as they fall from starter to backup.

Dallas Mavs cut Michael Finley and he ended up playing the role for the Spurs he would have filled perfectly here had he been able to wrap his head around it.
In reverse Jet Terry was perfect here as a 6th man but as a starter in Atlanta he was not as good.

It's silly to be mad at athletes for being insanely prideful on one hand then demand they play with swagger on the other.

Ellis can make a good 3rd down pass rusher but it is probably for a quality 4-3 team. He'd fit well in Minny as their 3rd DE.


EXACTLY!!!

If it wasn't for this newfangled internet thing Ellis likely wouldn't have earned the (mostly undeserved imo) label of whiner and fans would just look at the player and not the persona.

I think the man has been pretty impressive the last two season, especially coming of the injury and having to play for the Raiduhs.

Unfortunately for him he would only fit in Dallas as a 3d pass rusher so it's unlikely that he will wear the star again.

[gmoney112]

I could see him going to the Pats.

[Chief]

I'm sure Too Tall Jones would like to come back and play for the Cowboys, too.

Sorry, Greg. Somehow, the Cowboys managed to move on without you last year. I don't know how they did it, but they did.

Greg's resume these days: Excellent at complaining, worrying, moaning, and impeding the progress of younger, more talented players.

"I realize I can't play in front of Anthony Spencer anymore, but maybe I can keep Brandon Williams from getting any playing time and developing. That would be good for me."

[jterrell]

I'm sure Too Tall Jones would like to come back and play for the Cowboys, too.

Sorry, Greg. Somehow, the Cowboys managed to move on without you last year. I don't know how they did it, but they did.

Greg's resume these days: Excellent at complaining, worrying, moaning, and impeding the progress of younger, more talented players.

"I realize I can't play in front of Anthony Spencer anymore, but maybe I can keep Brandon Williams from getting any playing time and developing. That would be good for me."

Brandon Williams is why he won't likely be here. But Brandon Williams needs to get on the field for us. The team wasn't at all excited by what Victor Butler brought apparently and we have nothing of depth beyond that except pure special teamers.

Demarcus Ware and Tony Romo are impeding young guys playing time too. That argument can be used against any player. Testaverde will be signing contracts at 50 apparently.

Vitriole towards Greg Ellis is as misplaced as his whining was. He gave us tremendous effort with very little appreciation and was on the downside by the time we improved. He really does compare quite well with Michael Finley expect unlike Finley he never got (and never will) that huge pay day.

The team won Super Bowls without Roger Staubach too but it doesn't mean we should be dismissive of his accomplishments here.

[AMERICAS_FAN]

Is there room for Greg Ellis with the Cowboys?

Should a cancer-patient in remission take up smoking?

Hmmm, I wonder... :rolleyes:

[Alexander]

Ellis' agent, James Williams said Tuesday night his client wouldn't mind coming off the bench and that money isn't that big of an issue.
My, my, my.

How things change.

So I guess a "commitment" is not necessarily so important anymore when you are out of work, eh?

[FuzzyLumpkins]

EXACTLY!!!

If it wasn't for this newfangled internet thing Ellis likely wouldn't have earned the (mostly undeserved imo) label of whiner and fans would just look at the player and not the persona.

I think the man has been pretty impressive the last two season, especially coming of the injury and having to play for the Raiduhs.

Unfortunately for him he would only fit in Dallas as a 3d pass rusher so it's unlikely that he will wear the star again.

Ellis went to the media, specifically JJT to voice his contract and playtime concerns. They didn't go looking for him. He brought it all on himself and last time I checked newspapers have been around for a long long time.

[Alexander]

If it wasn't for this newfangled internet thing Ellis likely wouldn't have earned the (mostly undeserved imo) label of whiner and fans would just look at the player and not the persona.

If it was not for the newfangled internet and several prominent cronies in the Dallas media, Greg Ellis would have been unable to craft his clever persona of being this team-first salt-of-the-earth grinder who just bled silver and blue. He would have been just another insecure underachiever you probably would not have known much about.

His career was hardly as significant in the overall picture as Jim Jeffcoat's but since he had plenty of allies in the media, he could play up his victim role and parlay it into some fairly nice financial favors.

[Four]

As a de only. He's not a lber.

that's just not true.

[Four]

Ellis went to the media, specifically JJT to voice his contract and playtime concerns. They didn't go looking for him. He brought it all on himself and last time I checked newspapers have been around for a long long time.


and he did it in the off season when it doesn't matter.

Fans act like he was in the locker room mid season causing mess, he *****ed and moaned in the offseason.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

and he did it in the off season when it doesn't matter.

Fans act like he was in the locker room mid season causing mess, he *****ed and moaned in the offseason.

When it doesn't matter?

It always matters and he didn't just complain in the offseason he only did it to the media then.

Young players don't need to see that crap from their 'leaders.'

[Four]

the players don't see crap like that in the offseason.

None of them gave a crap about greg crying about money in the offseason, they have lives. And they get to live those lives in the offseason.

They gave a crap about greg. The fans on the other hand...

[Vtwin]

and he did it in the off season when it doesn't matter.

Fans act like he was in the locker room mid season causing mess, he *****ed and moaned in the offseason.

Another EXACTLY!

The internet part comes in to play because it gives all us wannabe experts a platform to expouse the truth as we see it. Then it goes viral because it's a "popular" opinion and it feels good to be with the crowd.

When the pads went on Ellis was a gamer who really cared about winning.

I admire the guy.

[Alexander]

and he did it in the off season when it doesn't matter.

Fans act like he was in the locker room mid season causing mess, he *****ed and moaned in the offseason.
So you are saying he was completely quiet and silent all sixteen weeks of the season? Ridiculous. You just did not hear about it because there were more important things, like the game results, to talk about.

But he in fact did complain mid-season, you just were not paying attention nor was it the focal issue at the time. He grumbled incessantly when he was first moved to linebacker in 2006. He complained about Spencer's time in 2008. It just did not come to a full page article until he was demanding "commitments" and whining in the slow offseason period. He would not even wait a few days after each season before you would hear about the next drama involving him.

Ellis was the worst kind of poison we could have had. It was slow, odorless, painless and if you did not pay attention you would miss it entirely.

It is no coincidence we became more of a team without frauds like him on the roster.

[jterrell]

If it was not for the newfangled internet and several prominent cronies in the Dallas media, Greg Ellis would have been unable to craft his clever persona of being this team-first salt-of-the-earth grinder who just bled silver and blue. He would have been just another insecure underachiever you probably would not have known much about.

His career was hardly as significant in the overall picture as Jim Jeffcoat's but since he had plenty of allies in the media, he could play up his victim role and parlay it into some fairly nice financial favors.

That's not completely accurate.

Greg's good guy image preceded him ever meeting a single Dallas media personality. It started with Mack Brown pimping him like as the guy ever Dad wants brought home to dinner.

A great number of media members call for Ellis to shut up whining and make fun of him. At the same time they ask him questions they know will draw responses of pure whine.

Greg Ellis was NEVER overpaid as a Dallas Cowboy. Not once.

Jim Jeffcoat and Ellis was comparable players. Who exactly denigrates Jeffcoat? Jeffcoat has another 5 or 6 solid years after giving up the starting RE job and was just a pure pass rusher. Ellis may well do the same and like Jeffcoat finish up on another team.

[Four]

ellis was a bright spot on our defense for a long time.

Fans are way too quick to stomp on him.

He is a good guy, who wanted to make as much money as he could while he could.

Demarcus ware is a better player for having played with Greg Ellis.

I imagine that spencer is too.

Stop taking a dump on quality guys who contributed to the greatness of this team.

[UncFelix28]

I think he realizes just how bad he had it in Oakland & is ready to give it one more shot for a ring and he will do it in whatever role is asked.. There is no sure thing with Brandon Williams & Victor Butler, we all have heard good things about Williams.. Greg is getting older but he did have 7 sacks last season & he would have plenty of energy when coming in on certain situations, hey I know the majority would hate if this went down but I really wouldn't mind. It's not like it would kill us, so why not take another chance on him & if he doesn't look like he can compete with the younger kids in training camp then give him his walking papers

[tyke1doe]

I think he realizes just how bad he had it in Oakland & is ready to give it one more shot for a ring and he will do it in whatever role is asked.. There is no sure thing with Brandon Williams & Victor Butler, we all have heard good things about Williams.. Greg is getting older but he did have 7 sacks last season & he would have plenty of energy when coming in on certain situations, hey I know the majority would hate if this went down but I really wouldn't mind. It's not like it would kill us, so why not take another chance on him & if he doesn't look like he can compete with the younger kids in training camp then give him his walking papers

Actually, Ellis was looking for that one big pay day. He got it when he signed with Oakland.

I think he's come to peace with that and knows, now, that his big chance at a big pay day (signing bonus) is over.

That's why he wants to come back to the Cowboys. It wasn't a hatred for the Cowboys. It was he wanted to make more money in the last substantial contract he would get as a player.

[cowboyjoe]

Greg Ellis-DL- Raiders Mar. 10 - 11:40 am et


Free agent DE Greg Ellis is open to returning to the Cowboys in a reserve role, according to his agent.

Ellis, 34, spent the first 11 years of his career with the Cowboys before signing with the Raiders for the 2009 season. Ellis had seven sacks in 14 games for the Raiders last year and would likely be used as a third-down pass rusher in Dallas.
Source: ESPN.com
Related: Cowboys

[dcfanatic]

http://images.quickblogcast.com/1/3/2/0/2/128698-120231/forumbanner1_may7.gif

[Jarv]

I'd take him back as a situational pass rusher. Part time work for part tie pay.

[The Emperor]

That'd be funny if we brought Greg Ellis, T.O., Pacman, and Tank Johnson back to the Cowboys after having a successful 2009 season without them.

[Seven]

That'd be funny if we brought Greg Ellis, T.O., Pacman, and Tank Johnson back to the Cowboys after having a successful 2009 season without them.

I'm seeing zero humor in this thought process alone.

[MONT17]

I like Ellis!

[ninja]

Greg Ellis would look good in a Redskin uniform.

Go get him Danny Boy.

[TrueBeliever007]

DALLAS -- The agent for Greg Ellis said the veteran pass rusher is open to returning to the Dallas Cowboys.
Ellis, just one season into a two-year deal with the Oakland Raiders, was released Monday, saving the team $2.5 million. Ellis tied for the team lead with seven sacks last season while playing defensive end, but he was hampered by knee and shoulder problems during the second half of the season.

Ellis' agent, James Williams, said Tuesday night his client is open to returning to the Cowboys, who drafted him in the first round in 1998. He still is eighth in franchise history with 77 sacks.


More on the Cowboys

Calvin Watkins and Tim MacMahon have the Cowboys blanketed for ESPNDallas.com. Check in with their constantly updated coverage. Blog

Williams said Ellis is open to coming off the bench, something that bothered the outside linebacker at the end of his tenure in Dallas.

Ellis and the Cowboys parted ways last spring, as the team wanted to give Anthony Spencer the full-time job at outside linebacker.

Spencer emerged with six sacks, 36 quarterback pressures and a team-leading nine tackles for loss.

The Cowboys could use Ellis as a third-down pass rusher, something coach Wade Phillips was trying to get him to do when he was here.

[InmanRoshi]

Ellis no longer brings enough as a player to overlook his defeatist, passive aggressive, "I'm probably going to fail at this, but I guess I'll give it a shot if I have to", Eeyore-ish attitude. We had to bring in someone like Brookings to exorcise those demons from the lockerroom.

I can imagine Greg's version of the Brookings' pre-game speech to the defense...

"First, we'll give it a try !! (*Yeah*) But then we'll probably fail !!! (*Sing it !!!*) And it wont be my fault !!! (*Yeah*) This isn't the ideal defense to showcase my talents (*Preach it !!!*) And when you're tired and exhausted in the 4th quarter, Remember, sometimes your best just isn't good enough (*That's Right !!*) We'll probably be all out of jobs next year (*Yes Sir*) Cuz that's the way this league is (*Tell it !!*) We're all underpaid (*Uh huh !!*)

Team hug on 1 ... 2 ... 3...

[casmith07]

No, no, and no.

Victor Butler > Greg Ellis at this point. Youth over expensive, whiny, veteran.

[RXP]

DALLAS -- The agent for Greg Ellis said the veteran pass rusher is open to returning to the Dallas Cowboys.
Ellis, just one season into a two-year deal with the Oakland Raiders, was released Monday, saving the team $2.5 million. Ellis tied for the team lead with seven sacks last season while playing defensive end, but he was hampered by knee and shoulder problems during the second half of the season.

Ellis' agent, James Williams, said Tuesday night his client is open to returning to the Cowboys, who drafted him in the first round in 1998. He still is eighth in franchise history with 77 sacks.


More on the Cowboys

Calvin Watkins and Tim MacMahon have the Cowboys blanketed for ESPNDallas.com. Check in with their constantly updated coverage. Blog

Williams said Ellis is open to coming off the bench, something that bothered the outside linebacker at the end of his tenure in Dallas.

Ellis and the Cowboys parted ways last spring, as the team wanted to give Anthony Spencer the full-time job at outside linebacker.

Spencer emerged with six sacks, 36 quarterback pressures and a team-leading nine tackles for loss.

The Cowboys could use Ellis as a third-down pass rusher, something coach Wade Phillips was trying to get him to do when he was here.


Greg Ellis?

Don't need him. Don't want him.

Next!

[Arch Stanton]

Agent says Ellis open to reserve role

By Calvin Watkins
ESPNDallas.com

DALLAS -- The agent for Greg Ellis said the veteran pass rusher is open to returning to the Dallas Cowboys.
Ellis, just one season into a two-year deal with the Oakland Raiders, was released Monday, saving the team $2.5 million. Ellis tied for the team lead with seven sacks last season while playing defensive end, but he was hampered by knee and shoulder problems during the second half of the season.

Ellis' agent, James Williams, said Tuesday night his client is open to returning to the Cowboys, who drafted him in the first round in 1998. He still is eighth in franchise history with 77 sacks.

Williams said Ellis is open to coming off the bench, something that bothered the outside linebacker at the end of his tenure in Dallas.

Ellis and the Cowboys parted ways last spring, as the team wanted to give Anthony Spencer the full-time job at outside linebacker.

Spencer emerged with six sacks, 36 quarterback pressures and a team-leading nine tackles for loss.

The Cowboys could use Ellis as a third-down pass rusher, something coach Wade Phillips was trying to get him to do when he was here.

Calvin Watkins covers the Cowboys for ESPN Dallas. You can follow him on Twitter or leave a question for his weekly mailbag.

http://sports.espn.go.com/dallas/nfl/news/story?id=4981695&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines

[casmith07]

About 3 years too late, Greg. Thanks for the 77 sacks.

[Woods]

I'm curious on how Wade feels about this. After drafting Williams and Butler, I just don't see how Ellis fits here - unless there is an injury (hopefully not!), or Wade thinks Williams/Butler are still a year or two away . . . . I just think you've got to go with the young guys now.

I'm sure Ellis will land with a team like Miami or the Pats though. He can probably still add value coming off the bench for another year, maybe 2 years.

[diehard2294]

:signmast: no thanks Greg

[Cowboys22]

Who is going to come off the field on 3rd down?

Ellis would be a classic progress stopper. They drafted two guys last year and there's no room for both of them and Ellis. Simple math say Ellis is out of luck in Dallas. Go check with the skins!

[Joe Rod]

About 3 years too late, Greg. Thanks for the 77 sacks.

I'm sure the Desperados would sign him (if they actually play arena ball this year).

[Dallas]

About 3 years too late, Greg. Thanks for the 77 sacks.


Oh NOW he is open to a reserve role after the Raiders released him? :laugh2:



Greg - Greg - Greg


Thanks but NO THANKS bro.

[Woods]

Who is going to come off the field on 3rd down?

Ellis would be a classic progress stopper. They drafted two guys last year and there's no room for both of them and Ellis. Simple math say Ellis is out of luck in Dallas. Go check with the skins!

Come on, dude. Not the Redskins. Yhea, Ellis whined a lot. But he was still a good teammate.

I frickin hate the Redskins.

[AbeBeta]

No, no, and no.

100% correct

Victor Butler > Greg Ellis at this point.

0% correct. Ellis is, even at his advanced age, far far far better a player than Butler.

We drafted two young guys to replace Ellis and we are committed to developing them. It is silly to pretend that they are as good as Ellis presently is.

[CoolNClutch]

He sounds desperate...

With that said, NO! Hopefully Spencer has finally turned the corner and can play the entire season at the level he was playing in November and December. And there's still Victor Butler who showed potential

[Big Dakota]

We have young guys that need pt, kinda like when ya left greg.

[ethiostar]

If this was to happen, and that's a big IF, would it be to play backup DE? That would be the only scenario i can see this happening.

[TheSport78]

The problem is this. Greg cannot be a special teams player, and when you're a backup OLB/situational pass rusher, your roster spot is almost worthless if he isn't playing special teams. The only way I could see it is if Victor Butler and Brandon Williams are beasts on special teams, which would warrant Ellis a roster spot. Too much headache though, that ship has SAILED.

[superonyx]

He cried so much when he was here. I remember how insulted he was after we kept drafting his potential replacements. And he cried when we switched to a 3-4 defense. He seemed like such a ME player.

With that said....... I wouldnt mind him coming back in a reserve role. It never hurts to have depth. He would provide us insurance in case of a spencer injury and in case Butler cant be an every down player. He did have 7 sacks last year in about half the season.

Plus i always have a weak spot for a player that wants to be a Dallas Cowboy.

Either way i wouldnt be upset.

[DFWJC]

About 3 years too late, Greg. Thanks for the 77 sacks.
Agreed. He served us well and I like our locker room now that he and some others are gone. Ironic that his tune changed after one year though.

[Juke99]

Ya don't know whatcha go, until you lose it.

Sorry Greg, you shoulda realized the value of playing in Dallas before constantly complaining for your last 4 years with the Cowboys.

[casmith07]

Agreed. He served us well and I like our locker room now that he and some others are gone. Ironic that his tune changed after one year though.

Playing like trash in a 4-3 and then getting cut by Oakland will bring a man to reality.

[28 Joker]

Oh, NO!

AND

HECK NO!

Victor Butler played good when he got a rare chance to rush the passer.

Williams and Butler will get the job done.

Only a complete idiot would take him back.

1-800-THEDOORISSHUT

BEEN THERE AND DONE THAT.

11-5 NO ELLIS AND OWENS

LET'S JUST BRING OWENS BACK, TOO AND GO 9-7 AND MISS THE PLAYOFFS.

I would have booted the overrated Greg Ellis (only by some Dallas fans) after the 2007 season, and I was calling for it, emphatically.

[Gzus]

The guy would be great as a situational pass rusher in a special set, but I think he's blown his chance. I agree with everyone, we need to develop our young talent. I would welcome him back for an unpaid one-day contract so he can retire a Cowboy and that's it.

[Sarge]

Ya don't know whatcha go, until you lose it.

Sorry Greg, you shoulda realized the value of playing in Dallas before constantly complaining for your last 4 years with the Cowboys.

:signmast:

[dbair1967]

I have a feeling he'll end up in Carolina or Cinci. Just my guess.

[DFWJC]

I have a feeling he'll end up in Carolina or Cinci. Just my guess.
Not a bad guess, imo.

[Vintage]

I have a feeling he'll end up in Carolina or Cinci. Just my guess.

I could see Cinci. But not Carolina. Carolina is shedding payroll and going with a youth movement. Doubtful they'd bring in Ellis.

[ninja]

I can't believe some here would want Ellis back.

That is beyond belief.

He's got nothing left. Go cry somewhere else, Ellis. You made enough money to retire. Enjoy your life and do something worthwhile for others. Maybe coaching.

[Joe Rod]

I could see Cinci. But not Carolina. Carolina is shedding payroll and going with a youth movement. Doubtful they'd bring in Ellis.

If he is truly content with being a situational rusher, I wonder if Miami might not take a look at him.