Emmitt Smith said on ESPN Thursday night that he did not believe a report in the Dallas Morning News that said he would no longer be the team's starting running back and would return next season only as a backup.

Smith, the NFL's all-time leading rusher, said he planned to speak with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones soon to sort out his future role with the team.

"As long as they're reports, I'm not going to believe them, but once I speak to Jerry and find out what Jerry's thoughts are, and find out what the Cowboys organization really wants to do, what direction they're going in, then I will factor in my decision on whether or not I want to stay or do something else," Smith told ESPN's Dan Patrick.

Asked if he would be with the team next season, Smith said: "Yeah I'll be a Cowboy next year."

Smith added that he hasn't thought about his role with the Cowboys. "I don't know. I've got to figure out who in the world they're talking about putting in front of me first of all," he said. "If its someone that I feel like I can compete with and take the job and win the job, then I'll stay. If its a situation where they are going to put someone there just to put a body there and not give the team a chance to win in my opinion..."

The Morning News reported Thursday Smith's stint as a starter is likely over as the Cowboys only want the running back to return in a backup role.

According to the News, Jones will inform Smith at the meeting that if the running back returns to the Cowboys in 2003, it will not be as a starter. Jones will also reportedly tell Smith that the team will restructure his contract and will give Smith permission to negotiate with other teams.

A source told the newspaper that Jones will release Smith if he finds a team that wants the running back as a starter. If Smith cannot find a team that wants him as a starter, the Cowboys will reportedly retain him in the backup role.

"I can still do it. If a team is going to pay me to come and play for them, they are not going to pay me to play a backup role," Smith told Fox Sports Net last week. "Why would they make that kind of investment in me?"

Smith has said he is willing to restructure his contract, which will pay him $7 million in 2003. The Dallas Morning News also reported that if Smith remains with the Cowboys, his salary is expected to be reduced to the NFL minimum for a 14-year veteran at $755,000.

According to the report, Parcells has not taken a stance on Smith's status, and said the running back's role will not be ironed out until after Smith meets with Jones.