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May 15--GRAPEVINE -- Dallas Cowboys safety Roy Williams has become a lightning rod recently, with his comments on how he fits into coach Wade Phillips' defense, followed by linebacker Greg Ellis' thoughts, fueling speculation that the Pro Bowler had fallen out of favor at Valley Ranch.
The situation prompted defensive coordinator Brian Stewart and safeties coach Brett Maxie to sit down privately with Williams. Wednesday, at the Cowboys' annual golf outing, Stewart said he was satisfied with the meeting's results.
"I think all three of us left that meeting feeling comfortable that we've got an open line of communication," Stewart said. "Everyone knows where everyone stands. The past was the past, and now we've got a chance to move forward."
Stewart said he doesn't consider confidence an issue, even after Williams said on the Michael Irvin Show "sometimes you just hope they don't throw the ball your way."
Stewart also said he's happy with the safety's participation in the team's off-season program after Ellis said last week Williams had isolated himself from teammates in those workouts.
Owner Jerry Jones said his faith in Williams, to whom he gave a five-year, $25.2 million contract in 2006, hasn't wavered.
"I know what a competitor he is, I know what a team player he is, and that hasn't changed as far as I'm concerned," Jones said. "And for us to be the team we want to be, in my mind, we need Roy to really be the player he can be."
Still negotiating: Restricted free agent Marion Barber and franchised safety Ken Hamlin are working out away from the team as contract negotiations continue. It's unlikely either will be present for the start of organized team activities (OTAs) next week, but Jones remains confident deals will get done before training camp.
"We've had visits and talked with them and their representatives," Jones said. "If their contracts were done, then I would expect them to be part of OTAs and minicamps. ... We expect to [make deals], and I think we'll do that certainly within the time frame that's good for everybody."
Jones wouldn't rule out the possibility that either player would sign his one-year tender offer -- $2.562 million for Barber and $4.396 million for Hamlin -- rather than reach a long-term agreement.
A call on the Hall: In response to Michael Irvin's suggestion, the NFL has decided to mandate that rookies visit the Hall of Fame as part of their orientation. The Cowboys' draft class will travel to Canton on June 13.
"Coming from Michael, with the type of player he is and the emotion he played with, it had a real impression," said Jones, who presented Irvin for induction last summer. "Where is there a better way to understand the history of the NFL? You do that in Canton."
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