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DCFanatic's Blog

Are we concerned that Marion Barber and Ken Hamlin are not working out at Valley Ranch with the rest of the guys these days? Seems Jerry isn't, read here.

Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones said on Wednesday that he's not thrilled about those two players missing workouts and practices, but he understands. And more importantly, he's not worried.

"Not at all," Jones said during the team's annual golf tournament for sponsors, held at the Cowboys Golf Course in Grapevine. "I would like them to be here. But right now, we're working on a few things. I think when the time comes, they'll be ready to go."

Neither player has any leverage to sign with another team this year. In fact, if they have not signed by June 1, the Cowboys will have to redo the tenders, with the option to lower the tender if desired.

But Jones did sound a little uneasy about Barber's status, considering they drafted Felix Jones in the first round to complement his running style. In fact, Jones said having Barber gave the Cowboys "the luxury" to draft Felix Jones, more of an elusive runner who is not expected to be the featured runner of the offense.

"I just want us to be able to get something done because he's a big part of our future," Jones said of Barber. "But I need to get it done in a way that is good for our team. That's not a negotiating ploy, that's just a fact. As far as being disappointed in his preparation, I don't see that this will have a negative impact, with him not being here."

Barber has been working out this off-season in Miami, alongside other clients of his agent Drew Rosenhaus.

I can't say I am worried because I don't think either guy is the type to hold out, but of course I would rather see them 'doing the right thing'. Chris Canty is kind of in the same boat and he's been there with the team.

Defensive end Chris Canty, also a restricted free agent, has not signed his $2.01 million tender. But unlike Hamlin and Barber, he participated in the off-season program and is expected to practice next week in the OTA's.

The Cowboys have remained in negotiations with all three players about possibly signing long-term deals, which would ultimately lower their salary cap charge for this year.

"If their contracts were done I would expect them to be a part of the OTAs and mini-camp," said Jones. "I'm not disappointed. We've got some time there."

I gotta have faith that Jerry is going to find a way to make this situation work out in the end.

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