ESPN: DeMarcus Ware to be free agent

[jobberone]

DeMarcus Ware to be free agent
Updated: March 11, 2014, 4:10 PM ET
By Todd Archer | ESPN.com

IRVING, Texas -- DeMarcus Ware is no longer a Dallas Cowboy.

The Cowboys have released the franchise's all-time leader in sacks, saving $7.4 million against the salary cap but creating the need to find a pass rusher for a defense that struggled to get to the quarterback in 2013.

Ware put up 117 sacks in nine seasons with the Cowboys, earning Pro Bowl honors from 2006-12, but he had a career-low six sacks in 2013 and missed the first three games with a quadriceps strain. Ware, who turns 32 in July, was set to count $16.003 million against the cap with a $12.25 million base salary.

"A decision like this, involving a man who is a cornerstone player in the history of your franchise, is extremely difficult," said Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones.


Please, do not merge this thread.

http://espn.go.com/dallas/nfl/story/_/id/10590589/dallas-cowboys-release-demarcus-ware

 

[jobberone]

There is another thread up but it's hard to find the official release. I'm awaiting the club's statement which anyone should feel free to post here.

Here is the early Dallas Cowboys post on Ware's release:

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/a...Released/83a977bd-70a5-4476-bff3-ce541ead7ce0

 

[Section446]

Jerry Jones can be taught!

 

[xwalker]

I feel like this indicates a change in the way Jerry handles him GM duties.

 

[DABOYZ]

Thank you Jerry. You may finally be coming to your senses. Ware was a big part of one of the worst defenses the NFL has ever seen. He had to be cut.

 

[big dog cowboy]

I feel like this indicates a change in the way Jerry handles him GM duties.

As much as anything, this can not be understated. The very foundation of thinking could be changing. One time is not a trend. But it is a start and you have to start somewhere.

 

[starfrombirth]

bump

 

[burmafrd]

As much as anything, this can not be understated. The very foundation of thinking could be changing. One time is not a trend. But it is a start and you have to start somewhere.

question always is with Jerruh- can he keep it up or will he backslide?

 

[TonyS]

Guess we didn't want Ware at his price and he didn't want us at our price. Think releasing him now was a favor to him as it doesn't benefit us one iota.

 

[65fastback2plus2]

holy cow! Jerry made a smart, tough decision for once! Proud of him!

 

[JoeyBoy718]

I'm sad

One of the greatest Cowboys of all time.

 

[Fletch]

I'm sad

One of the greatest Cowboys of all time.

Wipe your tears with your BBQ-stained, Ware jersey and let's go and hopefully find a suitable replacement. At least we're getting our cap situation under control.

 

[bulkyboy22]

I'm sad

One of the greatest Cowboys of all time.

I second this sir. Not sure to be excited since it is probably the right move because it shows progress by our GM or sad because he is one of our greats and my favorite for this era.

 

[TheCount]

Sad day, wish his contract was more reasonable.

 

[Carolina Cowboy]

As I said in the mega thread: Hate it. Had to do it. Thanks for the service #94. You were good.

 

[cowboyvic]

6 playoff teams have already been in contact with Ware. this is the best thing that could have happen to him. he has a chance to be in the playoffs again and win now.he had no chance to do that here in Dallas anymore. Ian Rapoport ‏@RapSheet 26m
The @NFL’s transaction wire is out. DeMarcus Ware is on it. Among those not on it? Chris Johnson. Julius Peppers. Steve Smith. #Staytuned

 

[theebs]

Wipe your tears with your BBQ-stained, Ware jersey and let's go and hopefully find a suitable replacement. At least we're getting our cap situation under control.

after dez and tyron smith are signed how will the cap be under control? Plus the enigma of bruce carter and demarco murray looming.

 

[TheDude]

I feel like this indicates a change in the way Jerry handles him GM duties.

Would seem that way. Curious if Ware overestimated his value and stood firm at $12.25M or Jerry stood firm at $7M(or what ever?). The bid/ask spread would tell you. a $5M gap means every GM has to cut loose, a $1-2M spread means Jerry may change the approach

 

[Fredd]

Rough decision, had to be made...perhaps he won't get the deal that he wants on the open market and still comes back for a much-less costly 2 year deal (or something like that)

 

[Fletch]

after dez and tyron smith are signed how will the cap be under control? Plus the enigma of bruce carter and demarco murray looming.

Didn't say under control as if we were there. I said getting under control. It's a start. The sky can fall later.