The Dallas Cowboys are expected to make an announcement today about the status of Emmitt Smith, the NFL's all-time leading rusher and a former Super Bowl MVP.

	Smith

Club sources anticipate the Cowboys will release Smith, a three-time Super Bowl winner and the most accomplished player in franchise history, ESPN's Ed Werder reported on Wednesday. The Cowboys have called a news conference for 3 p.m. ET today.

The NFL's free agency period begins on Friday and Smith has consistently stated his desire to play at least another two seasons and to finish his career as a starter.

Jones spent Wednesday with Smith attending several functions in south Texas, which afforded them the opportunity to continue discussions that began last week with a 3½-hour meeting in Jones' home. It is believed that Jones attempted to pursuade Smith -- who will be 34 in May -- to consider retirement. Smith was the most notable absentee as coach Bill Parcells met with the entire squad at Valley Ranch on Wednesday, a further indication that he does not figure into the new coach's plans.

Jones and Smith were scheduled to return to Dallas late Wednesday evening. Neither was available for comment.

While Parcells has spoken publicly of his desire to retain offensive tackle Flozell Adams and Jones has mentioned that Quincy Carter has a future with the Cowboys, neither has mentioned that Smith might have a place with the franchise that made him a first-round pick in 1990.

While Smith broke Walter Payton's career rushing record last season at Texas Stadium, it was one of the few high points during a season in which he failed to gain 1,000 yards rushing for only the second time in his career.