Football: Cowboys owner says team not shopping running back
by Tom Orsborn
Express-News
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on Wednesday dismissed reports that running back Julius Jones is on the trading block.
Jerry Jones said he liked the way the team used the former Notre Dame star and Marion Barber last season. The owner also said he's hopeful Tyson Thompson can return from the season-ending ankle injury he suffered in October.
Julius Jones is a fourth-year player in the final year of his contract. He rushed for a career-high 1,084 yards and four touchdowns last season on 267 attempts. Barber gained 654 yards and scored 14 TDs on 135 carries.
"I don't see it happening," Jones told reporters in Dallas, where he announced Ford Motor Company will be the title sponsor for the team's training camp in San Antonio this summer.
"We have got a team that's going to need some great plays from (the running back) position, and I like what we've done there with (Julius Jones) and Barber," Jerry Jones added. "More than likely, unless we have an opportunity in the draft to do something, we'll be going with the running back group we ended the season with."
The Philadelphia Daily News and an analyst for NFL.com reported this week the Cowboys are eager to entertain trade offers for Julius Jones. Teams likely interested in discussing a swap include Green Bay, Tennessee, Buffalo and Indianapolis.
Jerry Jones declined to say whether he has received calls about Julius Jones' availability.
The owner also discussed the team's plans for the NFL draft set for April 28-29. The Cowboys have 10 picks, including No. 22 overall. Jerry Jones said the team isn't focused on strengthening any one position, although he said it could select a quarterback in the later rounds.
If that happens, the owner said it shouldn't be perceived as a sign the team lacks confidence in starter Tony Romo or 38-year-old backup Brad Johnson.
"We know it takes some years to get (a quarterback) really ready to play for the most part, and I think it's a good way to go if we get the opportunity," Jerry Jones said.
The Cowboys will enter the draft looking for the best player available in the first round after using free agency to fill needs at backup quarterback and offensive line. He said signing more free agents is a possibility, although he was quick to add he's pleased with his current roster.
"I'm comfortable at safety, for instance," Jerry Jones said. "I'm comfortable with the players we have in-house. We've gotten comfortable in the offensive line, so I'm counting on the draft to make a significant contribution to the people we're going to be playing with this year."
The owner also reiterated that receiver Terrell Owens is included in the team's plans for next season. Owens is due a $3 million roster bonus on June 1.
Express-News
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on Wednesday dismissed reports that running back Julius Jones is on the trading block.
Jerry Jones said he liked the way the team used the former Notre Dame star and Marion Barber last season. The owner also said he's hopeful Tyson Thompson can return from the season-ending ankle injury he suffered in October.
Julius Jones is a fourth-year player in the final year of his contract. He rushed for a career-high 1,084 yards and four touchdowns last season on 267 attempts. Barber gained 654 yards and scored 14 TDs on 135 carries.
"I don't see it happening," Jones told reporters in Dallas, where he announced Ford Motor Company will be the title sponsor for the team's training camp in San Antonio this summer.
"We have got a team that's going to need some great plays from (the running back) position, and I like what we've done there with (Julius Jones) and Barber," Jerry Jones added. "More than likely, unless we have an opportunity in the draft to do something, we'll be going with the running back group we ended the season with."
The Philadelphia Daily News and an analyst for NFL.com reported this week the Cowboys are eager to entertain trade offers for Julius Jones. Teams likely interested in discussing a swap include Green Bay, Tennessee, Buffalo and Indianapolis.
Jerry Jones declined to say whether he has received calls about Julius Jones' availability.
The owner also discussed the team's plans for the NFL draft set for April 28-29. The Cowboys have 10 picks, including No. 22 overall. Jerry Jones said the team isn't focused on strengthening any one position, although he said it could select a quarterback in the later rounds.
If that happens, the owner said it shouldn't be perceived as a sign the team lacks confidence in starter Tony Romo or 38-year-old backup Brad Johnson.
"We know it takes some years to get (a quarterback) really ready to play for the most part, and I think it's a good way to go if we get the opportunity," Jerry Jones said.
The Cowboys will enter the draft looking for the best player available in the first round after using free agency to fill needs at backup quarterback and offensive line. He said signing more free agents is a possibility, although he was quick to add he's pleased with his current roster.
"I'm comfortable at safety, for instance," Jerry Jones said. "I'm comfortable with the players we have in-house. We've gotten comfortable in the offensive line, so I'm counting on the draft to make a significant contribution to the people we're going to be playing with this year."
The owner also reiterated that receiver Terrell Owens is included in the team's plans for next season. Owens is due a $3 million roster bonus on June 1.
posted by The Gryphon at 7:45 PM
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