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DeMarcus Ware released by Dallas Cowboys

Cowboys release DeMarcus Ware from his contract, freeing up $16 million in cap space.

By Danielle Haynes
Dallas Cowboys DeMarcus Ware (94) and George Selvie (99) celebrate Ware's sack of St. Louis quarterback Sam Braqdford at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on September 22, 2013. UPI/Ian Halperin
Dallas Cowboys DeMarcus Ware (94) and George Selvie (99) celebrate Ware's sack of St. Louis quarterback Sam Braqdford at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on September 22, 2013. UPI/Ian Halperin | License Photo

The Dallas Cowboys cut their ties with defensive end DeMarcus Ware Tuesday, trimming $16 million in cap space for the 2014 season.

Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones issued a release saying Ware is held in the "highest regard" in the team community.

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“A decision like this, involving a man who is a cornerstone player in the history of your franchise, is extremely difficult,” Jones said. “After meeting this afternoon, DeMarcus and I agreed on an understanding that would allow him to explore the options he will have for the 2014 season and beyond. We were also in very strong agreement that playing for the Dallas Cowboys would be one of the options we would both be exploring."

Ware's future with the team had been a source of speculation over the past season due to his high salary, age and season-low numbers.

“DeMarcus had a hell of a career but when we’re in the cap situation that we’re in and obviously counting as much as he is obviously you have to look at it along with several others,” Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said last month.

The seven-time Pro Bowler has also had some health issues recently, with surgery on his right elbow, back troubles and a quadriceps strain.
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Dallas Cowboys players, retired and current, took to Twitter Tuesday to give their thoughts on the news.

[USA Today] [Dallas Morning News]

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