Cowboys sources indicate Smith done in Dallas

[Louis Cypher]

Wednesday, February 26

ESPN.com news services


The Dallas Cowboys are expected to make an announcement on Thursday about the status of Emmitt Smith, the NFL's all-time leading rusher and a former Super Bowl MVP.

Club sources anticipate the Cowboys will release Smith, a three-time Super Bowl winner and the most accomplished player in franchise history.

The NFL's free agency period begins on Friday and Smith has consistently stated his desire to play at least another two seasons and to finish his career as a starter.

Jones spent Wednesday with Smith attending several functions in south Texas, which afforded them the opportunity to continue discussions that began last week with a 3½-hour meeting in Jones' home. It is believed that Jones attempted to pursuade Smith -- who will be 34 in May -- to consider retirement. Smith was the most notable absentee as coach Bill Parcells met with the entire squad at Valley Ranch on Wednesday, a further indication that he does not figure into the new coach's plans.

Jones and Smith were scheduled to return to Dallas late Wednesday evening. Neither was available for comment.

While Parcells has spoken publicly of his desire to retain offensive tackle Flozell Adams and Jones has mentioned that Quincy Carter has a future with the Cowboys, neither has mentioned that Smith might have a place with the franchise that made him a first-round pick in 1990.

While Smith broke Walter Payton's career rushing record last season at Texas Stadium, it was one of the few high points during a season in which he failed to gain 1,000 yards rushing for only the second time in his career.

[TTinCO]

On a related note, McCaffrey will sign a new contract with the Bunco's in the next day or two.

[Axelp]

NBCSPORTS.COM NEWS SERVICES
IRVING, Texas, Feb. 26 — Emmitt Smith’s career — at least with the Dallas Cowboys — is reportedly coming to an end.

THE NFL’S ALL-TIME LEADING rusher will be released by the team on Thursday, according to an ESPN report on Wednesday night. Earlier in the day, ESPN reported that an announcement on Smith’s future with the club could be made Thursday. But later on the report said he would be released.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told the Associated Press on Wednesday that he talked with Smith on a flight from Dallas to Austin, where the running back was honored by the Texas legislature for becoming the leading rusher in NFL history.
“We know he’s NFL royalty, he’s Dallas Cowboys royalty,” Jones said. “But this is about the future of the team. We’re looking at the future of the team and there are a lot of things involved. It’s not about Emmitt’s ability to play. We know he can play.”
Smith’s status has been in doubt for months because of his contract and age. He turns 34 in May and was due a base salary of $7 million next season, with a salary-cap figure of $9.8 million. If released now, he’ll still count $4.9 million against next season’s cap.
He’s coming off his least productive season since he was a rookie, but said last month he believes he can still gain 1,300 yards in a season. In October, Smith passed Walter Payton to top the career rushing list. He currently has 17,162 yards.
Asked if he would consider being a backup in Dallas, Smith said he would “weigh all options, that much I will do.”
He wouldn’t say much about where things stand with him and Jones.
“Any discussions between me and Jerry need to go farther and will go farther and basically doesn’t become public knowledge until we get it done,” Smith said.
While Smith was being honored in Austin, new Cowboys coach Bill Parcells held his first team meeting.
Backup running back Troy Hambrick, who has made no secret of his desire to replace Smith, said Parcells didn’t mention Smith’s absence.
Smith was born and raised in Florida, and attended college there. He moved to Dallas after being drafted in 1990 and has been here ever since.
“I’ve been a proud citizen in the state of Texas for 13 years now, going on 14, so I look at Texas as my home now,” Smith said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.

[World Runner]

Well...since the cowboys are going to end up with Stephen Davis maybe the redskins will take Smith.

Wouldn't that be something?!

[IllinoisSports]

Smart move by the Cowboys.

[jdog]

dumbass move by the cowboys

[jjgold]

Bad move by Cowboys, this guy is still good, just give him the ball and he produces. Dallas will never win, no QB!!! 7-9 at best next 3 years. Smith will help a team and this is better for him, he can play for a winner , because dallas is done for the next 3 years, no shot at playoffs.

[IllinoisSports]

Oh yeah a dumbass move. With the salary cap the NFL has its a smart move to pay Emmitt alot of cash. And with what Parcells wants out of a running back Emmitt cant provide at this stage in his career. Real dumbass move.

[jdog]

emmitt would retructure his contract if possible and the dude can still rush for 1000 yds a season , so yes a dumbass move by the cowboys and very a typical of dickhead jones

[cerberus]

Smith, at this stage of his career, is probably one of the worst running backs in the league. He also makes a lot of money. Great move, in my opinion.

[Raisencain]

no matter what you say about emmitt, the cowboys, or this move, you have to admit that emmitt is all class. how can you not be impressed with this guy if you saw the press conference. TOTAL CLASS ACT.

[jdog]

we will see what yall say when he rushes for 1200 yards next year. everyone will be on the emmitt smith ban wagon just like when the mavs sucked and now there mavs fans everywhere

[stevo]

His press conference was well worth the watch.