The Cowboys and running back Marion Barber are not close to striking a new deal.

Barber is working out in Miami at the request of his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, and not the team's Valley Ranch complex.

He is not expected to be in Dallas for the start of organized team activities next week.

The Cowboys know his work ethic and know Barber, when he arrives, will show up in shape. But they would like him with the team as soon as possible as he assimilates to a new role as the team's starting running back.

The Cowboys have tendered him a one-year restricted free agent offer of $2.56 million but also offered Barber a deal similar to the pact Michael Turner signed as a free agent with the Falcons. That contract was in the $30 million range, and could be considered market value for a soon-to-be starting running back. But Barber has more NFL seasoning. As such, he's looking for a deal in excess of $40 million.

Owner Jerry Jones is eager to sign Barber to an extension, but knows he has the luxury of the one-year tender to fall back on if a compromise between the Cowboys' offer and Barber's demands can't be reached.

"I just want us to be able to get something done because he's a big part of our future," Jones said of Barber. "But I need to get it done in a way that is good for our team. That's not a negotiating ploy, that's just a fact. As far as being disappointed in his preparation, I don't see that this will have a negative impact, with him not being here."

Worth noting, another Cowboys restricted free agent, defensive end Chris Canty, has not signed his tender, but is working out with the team in the interim.

The same can't be said of safety Ken Hamlin, who had the franchise tag placed on him in March. Hamlin, too, is looking for a long-term deal and has stayed away from the team's offseason program. He isn't expected to be around for the OTA sessions next week.

"I would like them to be here," Jones said. "But right now, we're working on a few things. I think when the time comes, they'll be ready to go."

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