Ellis Here To Stay

as a player who gets the kind of snaps a starter gets - snaps strategic to our situation." 

But don't stop there. Parcells doesn't. He sees the Cowboys expanding their defensive scope this year, throwing in more unorthodox four-man fronts, which will allow him to use Ellis in sort of a specialty role more suited for his talents. That is the impetus for Jones saying what he said about the number of snaps. 

"He's in the prime of his career," Jones said. "He allows us to have a rotation. There is just a lot of times we're out there in a four-man front. If we're compromised with Ware (injury), I'm not sure who the next one is to give us pressure. 

"Right now, the one who can give you pressure in addition to Ware is Greg." 

Now the Cowboys must convince Ellis of that, and apparently will discus his situation with him and his agent Butch Williams soon, though Jones insists he meets with veteran players in the off-season from time to time and that this by no means should be interpreted as a summit meeting. There is this perception Ellis still is unhappy with his reduced role, and that is why he has not been a regular participant in the off-season workout program - though working out on his own. 

"Don't read anything into that," said Williams, who figures he will fly into Dallas soon for this meeting, presumably before June 1. "Every indication from the organization is that he fits in their plans this year. 

"Now we want to see how he fits in." 

Ellis has not been heard from since the end of the season when he voiced his concern and anticipated his departure since he no longer was a starter - nor has he been heard from since receiving his roster bonus. 

Jones did not seem concerned, and insisted, "As far as the same page, we're on the same page with Greg Ellis," who still has four years left on the extension he signed in 2003 that paid him $4.2 million in signing bonus. 

"Greg has stated his position - the pure 3-4 concept doesn't fit him," Jones said. "But the facts are we don't play the 3-4 all the time. We're going to play some four-man fronts. I haven't seen a player the caliber of Greg Ellis compromised by a scheme. They usually win for you no matter the scheme." 

That brings us full cycle. Say what you want. Perceive what you want. Buy into what you want. 

But Greg Ellis is here, and he's not going anywhere. 

That's how valuable he is.   

MICK SHOTS