DMN Blog: Should Cowboys cut ties with Greg Ellis?

[WoodysGirl]

9:52 AM Thu, Jan 29, 2009 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
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Greg Ellis has officially extended his streak of off-season drama to four years.
Ellis has complained about his position, his contract and the team's commitment to him in recent years. Now he's perturbed about his role. He apparently believes that being a pass-rushing specialist -- a pretty important role -- is beneath him.

Of course, this is no surprise. Ellis, a one-time Pro Bowler who turns 34 in August, grumbled when Anthony Spencer started getting most of the snaps on first and second downs. Ellis played the first defensive snap of games only because Wade Phillips didn't want to strip him of his starter status.

Ellis has earned a good guy reputation, but he clearly isn't going to change his complaining ways. He's not nearly as high profile as T.O. -- and his football rap sheet is much shorter -- but they're both captains who have publicly called out the coaching staff. That's disruptive, whether they're right or wrong.


Ellis (eight sacks last season) would count $6.25 million against the salary cap next season -- a lot for a role player, as he pointed out -- but the Cowboys might not be able to afford to cut him from a football perspective.

If you run the 3-4, you need quality depth at outside linebacker. Anthony Spencer is unproven and injury prone. Justin Rogers is a solid special teamer, not a guy the Cowboys want lining up on the opposite side of All-Pro DeMarcus Ware.

The Cowboys could draft a pass rusher, but there's already a long list of draft needs (safety, inside linebacker, defensive end, nose tackle, offensive line, quarterback). Since the Lions own the Cowboys' first-rounder, it'd be tough for Dallas to use a premium pick on a pass-rusher this year.

My advice: Put up with Ellis for one more productive season, then target Texas OLB/Dallas native Sergio Kindle in the 2010 draft.

 

[jterrell]

kindle is about 235 muscular pounds. he was 210 coming out of high school.

he doesnt have a frame for OLB in the NFL in a 3-4 defense.

good player tho as a WLB in a 4-3.

 

[HoleInTheRoof]

I think I hate every player on this team for one reason or another.

 

[DCBoysfan]

I don't think he gets cut, he can still contibute to this team, he just may not be a starter anymore and will just have to deal with it.

 

[Chief]

I think I hate every player on this team for one reason or another.

 

[zrinkill]

Fine any player the same that you did Marty B for dishing out dirt on Dallas.

 

[Doomsday101]

Given what his cost will be I think Dallas maybe wise to part ways. Unlike some I have no ill feelings towards Ellis.

 

[Zimmy Lives]

News flash: Dallas finished 9-7. Somehow I don't think losing Greg Ellis would be all that tragic.

Cut the cull from the herd, Jerry. Do it now.

 

[Stash]

Unless he really acts up in an effort to force the team's hand, I'd keep him.

 

[GoBoys41]

He's a me first player who, unlike TO, doesn't have the talent to back it up. And we have a talented replacement in place. Saving 4+ million on the cap makes it worth it for his likely declining production.

 

[MWILL]

IMO, I'd keep him for one more year.

Greg always complains in the begining of the season, but it dies down later in the season.

If they feel they don't need Greg, then trade him for a 4th, 5th, or 6th pick. Cutting him would be worthless.

 

[Clove]

I don't think he gets cut, he can still contibute to this team, he just may not be a starter anymore and will just have to deal with it.

I agree with this. Just let him come off the bench if Spencer is tired or injured. Let him sit in the corner and whine all he wants.

 

[dueyhemlock]

With Ellis, the last 4 years (offseason drama) has been about money or playing time.

Do you guys really think Ellis will take a paycut this year when he is finally getting his money, he even stated in his interview (whining seminar) that he thinks Jerry has to do something because of his large salary and role player status.

He doesn't seem to understand that with our 3-4 defense, the backers are the wild cards that keep the offense guessing about the pressure. You can't rush the passer ever down.

So now he moans about his role. I can see his point of view. He needs to be a 4-3 DE...PERIOD. He should have pushed this issue in private with management and got it resolved awhile back. I'm sure his past low salaries played a role in this.

No more Ellis dropping back in coverage.

No more round pegging the square hole.

It's time for the wine to be served somewhere else.

Ellis has let the building.

 

[Hostile]

Personally, he annoys me more than any other player on the roster. He is one of the very few Cowboys players that I wouldn't be thrilled to meet.

 

[diehard2294]

if your thinking about cutting Owens,then I think you should look at Ellis in the same light,different types of players but still the drama at days end. I think he can still be productive but he will always find something to complain about. He never was a OLB to begin with,the thought of him dropping into coverage is scary. I think he has to go and he may force that desicion upon himself

 

[Yeagermeister]

I was done with him after the TC deal a couple of years ago. Get what you can for him. I'll help him pack.

 

[JohnnyHopkins]

Great, Greg's offseason menopause springs up like clockwork.

 

[Woods]

Great, Greg's offseason menopause springs up like clockwork.

:laugh2: :laugh2:

I'd figure that by now it the coaches don't really care what G Ellis says in the off-season.

We all know he whines during the off-season.

But from a business decision, if we do save decent money by releasing him, I'd hope we consider doing that and possibly using that money to sign a younger OLB - or to possibly re-sign a player like Canty.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

I would try to trade Ellis. I think that it's time for Greg to move on. As probably all of you know, I have always like Ellis. I just think that now would be a good time for him to move on. If we could trade him, even better. JMO.

 

[dillinger319]

Personally, he annoys me more than any other player on the roster. He is one of the very few Cowboys players that I wouldn't be thrilled to meet.

I agree Hos... He reminds me of that one kid that every friend of mine has.. The one who whines and whines and you think to yourself... I would love to just spank the hell out of that kid.... lol.... Not hard or anything just a lil lift of the paddle.

except with Greg, I would just love to punch him in the dang face. Maybe a superman punch.......

I hope that Jerry will cut his ties and quit given this wind bag his way. Hes what I like to call a lil........ Female dog..... :laugh1: