Bent had been linked with a move to a number of clubs including the Latics before he sealed his move to the Valley.
That came as a suprise to many Latics fans who felt that the forward wouldn't offer the team much and considered him very similar to Ellington.
Jewell said: "We were in for Ipswich striker Darren Bent last week and could have competed financially with Charlton, but we missed out.
"It's difficult to persuade players that we intend to stay in the Premiership and maybe they see us as a risk.
"But I want to send the message that we don't intend to be tourists next season, enjoying the ride and the view at all the big stadiums.
"We have had a winning mentality at Wigan for a few seasons and, though that will change because of higher-quality opposition, we won't be Premiership whipping boys