NFC East Notes: Cowboys, Eagles, Giants

Cowboys

In addition to not wanting to reset the running back market, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is also leery of setting another precedent with RB Ezekiel Elliott. Entering his fourth season, Elliott still has another two years left on his rookie deal after Dallas exercised its fifth-year option. Jones says he doesn’t want to get into the habit of redoing deals more than a year before they’re set to expire.  

“If we do a contract, what’s to assure us that this time next year, or three months later, we won’t be talking about another contract? If we’re not gonna honor contracts?” Jones said in a radio interview on 105.3 The Fan. “…I’m just saying, if you have no basis to have a piece of paper—there’s nothing that says a contract executed within the past few weeks or months can’t be looked at and say ‘you know, I think I want a different part of it done this way’ and not play. You get into a different world when you don’t honor agreements.”

• According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the Cowboys are continuing to work behind the scenes to sign RB Ezekiel Elliott to a long-term deal. 
• Rapoport says the team won’t being practicing in earnest for Week 1 until Tuesday or Wednesday, which still leaves time for the two sides to reach an agreement. 
• Jones said former first-round DE Taco Charlton earned his place on the final roster: “He’s frankly had a great camp.” (Jon Machota)

Eagles

• NJ.com’s Mike Kaye and Matt Stypulkoski write that the Eagles and Jets could swap backup pass rushers, trading Josh Sweat for third-round rookie Jachai Polite.
• The Eagles drafted Sweat in the fourth round last year, but he’s been outperformed by other backup pass rushers in camp and could use a fresh start.
• The Jets need help at pass rusher and have not been impressed by Polite, who was drafted by former GM Mike Maccagnan. Philadelphia could take a chance on Polite’s talent and try to develop him. 

Giants

• According to Matt Lombardo, Giants TE Scott Simonson will have an MRI done on his ankle. 
• Simonson left the stadium in a walking boot and crutches after injuring his ankle on a touchdown catch. 
• The Giants could be interested in free-agent LB Brandon Marshall, recently released by the Raiders. (Art Stapleton)