Aug 13 2006 - LB Greg Ellis is no longer disgruntled. He's not yet comfortable but he does see the vision in the team's decision to move him from defensive end to linebacker. It certainly looked like a solid move against the Seahawks, with Ellis recording a sack and a tackle on a receiver in coverage. "I'm glad we got it out of the way," Ellis said. "I feel better about the position, but still realizing I've got a lot of things to learn." Ellis said making plays helps his confidence. He was most pleased with the play on the sideline against receiver Bobby Engram. "My main deal was just being able to tackle guys in the open field on solo tackles," Ellis said, "because I'm like, 'I'm by myself, I'm going to look bad if I miss him and it's going to hurt the team if I miss him.' "That's one of the challenging things that you have to do at that position, is make open-field tackles."
Jul 31 2006 - DE Greg Ellis remains disgruntled. He arrived in training camp saying he didn't want to be here because the team didn't honor his request for a new contract or a trade. Cowboys coach Bill Parcells is not listening. He says Ellis is a big part of the team and is expected to play a big role in 2006. As of now he says Ellis has two choices, play here or retire.
Jul 28 2006 - DE Greg Ellis arrived at training camp, but made it clear he doesn't want to be with the Cowboys, who are likely to diminish Ellis' role in a 3-4 defense, especially with up-and-comer Chris Canty entering his second season. "All I have to say is that I don't want to be here," Ellis said.
Jul 25 2006 - DE Greg Ellis remains unhappy about his likely drop in playing time, but his agent said Ellis will report to training camp on time despite not getting more guaranteed money in his contract as desired.
Jun 9 2006 - DE Greg Ellis, unhappy with his role and demanding a new contract, skipped the organized team activity days last week. He showed up for the mandatory minicamp the weekend before, but did not return for the voluntary practice sessions when it became the clear the Cowboys weren't going to meet demands for a new deal. Now Ellis said he wants the Cowboys to trade or release him. He will report to training camp in July if he is still on the roster. But he said it would not be a good situation for him or the Cowboys. "As long as they are committed to me, I will do whatever they want me to do," Ellis said. "If the level of commitment isn't there, how do you expect me to play the kind of roles you want me to play? My heart will not feel the same. It would be best for me to not be here." Ellis wanted the Cowboys to show some commitment to him by restructuring his contract and giving him a serious financial guarantee by bringing some of the money in his deal forward in a bonus. His contract runs through 2009 and includes salaries of $2.25 million, $2.5 million, $3.325 million and $4.15 million over the next four years. He has already received a $500,000 roster bonus for 2006. He feels he is playing on a series of one-year deals after being benched last season in favor of Chris Canty because Canty was a better fit for the 3-4. Ellis still tied for the team lead in sacks with eight and remains one of two proven pass rushers on the team.
