IRVING, Texas -- Emmitt Smith's status with the Dallas Cowboys will remain in limbo for at least another week.

	Smith

Smith and team owner Jerry Jones finally have had their long-awaited meeting to discuss whether the running back will return for a 14th season. Their only decision was to keep talking.

"We will meet again, near the end of next week, at which time we will address the future -- in a manner that we believe will serve the best interests of the Dallas Cowboys and Emmitt Smith,'' Jones said in a statement released Tuesday.

Jones called the Monday meeting "very thorough and extensive."

Werner Scott, an agent for Smith, did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

Contrary to media reports, sources both in the Cowboys organization and close to Smith told ESPN.com on Wednesday that the club has not granted to Smith or his agents permission to speak with other teams, in advance of what it expected to be his departure.

Those same sources, however, acknowledged that Smith's representatives will likely use this week's combine sessions in Indianapolis to discreetly gauge the interest of potential suitors. It is believed that the Cowboys have provided Smith some financial parameters for what they would be willing to do contractually. So far, those discussions have been between Smith and Jones and have not included the player's agents.

Smith's current deal has a base salary of $7 million next season, with a salary-cap figure of $9.8 million. That's a lot for someone who will be 34 and is coming off one of his worst seasons. The cheapest he could re-sign for is the veteran minimum of $755,000.

Smith had 975 yards last season, his lowest total since he was a rookie. He had only two 100-yard games and averaged 3.8 yards per carry. A poor line and unreliable passing game contributed to his struggles.

If Smith is released before June 1, he would still count $4.9 million against the upcoming season's cap. That would drop to $2.8 million now and $2.1 million the following season if he's released on or after June 1.

Neither side wants to wait that long. A decision likely will be announced before a week from Friday, when the free agency signing period begins. Jones and Smith said throughout last year -- during which Smith became the leading rusher in NFL history -- that they would meet after the season to discuss whether No. 22 remains a Cowboy.

While new coach Bill Parcells values veterans and often bases his offense around a strong running game, he has said that Jones told him the first time they discussed the Cowboys that the owner would personally be handling the Smith decision.

Smith believes he can still be a featured back.

Despite having the most carries in NFL history, he's missed only four games because of injury in his career and remains in good shape. He's said he wants to keep running until he passes 20,000 yards; his career total is 17,162.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.