Greg Ellis was voted The Associated Press 2007 NFL Comeback Player of the Year after coming back from an Achilles' injury. (AP)

According to the Dallas Morning News, the Cowboys have decided to cut ties with outside linebacker Greg Ellis, which could clear the way for New England to sign the veteran pass rusher. Ellis, 33, had 77 sacks in 11 seasons with the Cowboys, and had his best season in 2007 when he made the Pro Bowl after posting a career-best 12.5 sacks despite missing the first three games recovering with a torn Achilles’ tendon.

The Patriots have been floated as a possible landing spot for Ellis. After dealing outside linebacker Mike Vrabel to Kansas City earlier in the offseason, New England has been unable to land a replacement in either the draft or free agency. They did reportedly make a play for Jason Taylor, who ended up returning to the Dolphins, and they have inquired about Oakland defensive end Derrick Burgess.

Ellis, a first-round pick out of North Carolina who has been in the league for 11 seasons, is a 6-foot-6, 262-pounder who spent eight years at defensive end before being moved to outside linebacker. In 162 regular-season games — all with Dallas — he has 77 sacks, 36 tackles for loss, 51 pass breakups and 21 forced fumbles.

Another team who could reportedly make a play for Ellis is Cincinnati.

5 Comments for “Report: Cowboys cut Ellis”

1. GR365 Says:
   May 26th, 2009 at 7:18 pm

   Chris, He is still a Cowboy. Check out Jerry Jones video.
   He clearly says that, “Greg has alot of football left in him!” “He’ll just be playing for someone else.” He also says, “I’m in no rush to make anything official.”
   Sounds like he’s still thinks Ellis has value and wants something for him.

2. Christopher Price Says:
   May 26th, 2009 at 9:06 pm

   GR365,

   You’re correct — technically, he wasn’t cut. They’ve simply decided to part ways with him. Although I have to imagine that the comments from Jones will hurt his value on the open market — it’ll now be awful hard to trade someone they’re going to cut ties with anyway.

   Chris

3. GR365 Says:
   May 27th, 2009 at 10:05 am

   Hi Chris, I agree, unless another team gets involved…I doubt any team would offer much more than a 6th, 7th but, with the signing of Lennon addresses the MLB…Paris should be able to help out right away!
   Would Jerry Jones hold out for a 6th or 7th??? I guess it’s better than nothing???
   The number of teams running a 3-4 has increased and somebody will want Ellis. GB, KC Denver. He does have value! Who is the most desperate for an OLB?

4. Christopher Price Says:
   May 27th, 2009 at 12:53 pm

   GR365,

   Trying to figure out how much the Cowboys will save by cutting him … it might be better off than an actual trade. Anyway, I do think there will be a healthy market for Ellis, even with Jones’ statement. As you correctly point out, there are a ton of teams running the 3-4 these days, and he does have something left in the tank. Just wondering — even though they play different spots, I wonder if the Lenon signing will have any impact on what they may or may not do in regards to Ellis.

   Chris

5. christopher mehegan Says:
   June 3rd, 2009 at 3:21 pm

   dear christopher price.eventhough the patriots signed paris lennon do you think the patriots will sign greg ellis to provide an explosive pass rush defense in which the patriots do need at least they signed paris lennon to the roster which adds a physical presence in their lineup what do you think.

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