In the last two seasons, Ellis has expressed concern about his role with the franchise and hinted he might be released or traded because the team wanted to go with Anthony Spencer as the starter.

Ellis' agent, James Williams, said that despite the team's drafting Brandon Williams and Victor Butler in the fourth round, his client is not concerned.

"Greg is looking forward to playing Football and he's looking forward to playing in the new stadium for the Cowboys ," Williams said. "It's outside of our control anyway. But Greg is happy with the Cowboys and wants no controversies."

If the Cowboys release or trade Ellis, he would be owed $1.5 million by the club. His base salary for the 2009 season is $4.175 million.

The Cowboys would receive a salary-cap savings of $4.15 million should Ellis get cut, but owner and general manager Jerry Jones didn't think that would occur.

"I know he had that same concern when Spencer came in," Jones said of Ellis after the draft ended Sunday. "He had that same concern when he moved over [from defensive end to outside linebacker]. And that's rightfully so. I think the world of Greg, but anything we do there one way or the other, I don't want him to read about it. I want to sit down and talk to him about it."

NFLPA chief visits today: New NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith is scheduled to visit Valley Ranch today to discuss labor issues with the players.

Free-agent signings

The Cowboys signed eight players to free-agent contracts Monday. All are expected at this weekend's rookie minicamp at Valley Ranch.

Player Pos. School Player Pos. School

Travis Bright G BYU Greg Isdaner G West Va.

Rudy Carpenter QB Ariz. St. Kevin Ogletree WR Virginia

Julian Hawkins WR Boise St. Asaph Schwapp FB Notre Dame

Jamar Hunt FB UTEP Michael Turkovich G Notre Dame