The Dallas Cowboys released DeMarcus Ware on Tuesday. He was one of the best defensive players in Cowboys history.
Ware, 31, signed a six-year, $79 million contract with the Cowboys in 2009. He was suppose to make $12.25 million this year. Ware’s release had to do with the salary cap. The Cowboys will save $16 million in salary cap by releasing Ware, according to USA Today.
''A decision like this, involving a man who is a cornerstone player in the history of your franchise, is extremely difficult,’ Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones said in a statement. ''DeMarcus Ware, through his performance on the field and his outstanding character, is someone who is held in the highest regard within the Dallas Cowboys family. He is worthy of our greatest respect, and we want what is best for him and his family.''
Ware is one of the top players in the NFL when it comes to defense. He had at least 11 sacks in seven straight seasons. In 2008 he had 20 sacks and in 2011 he had 19.5 sacks. Last year he had just six sacks, which is a career-low, as he missed three games due to injury, according to ESPN. Ware had a total of 117 sacks in nine seasons with the Cowboys, and he is the Cowboys all-time sacks leader. He has earned All-Pro honors six times.
Jones hasn’t ruled out Ware returning to the team after he tests the free agent market. It will be interesting to see where Ware ends up and if he returns to the Cowboys at some point. Wherever he goes he will be a great addition.