Report: Dallas Cowboys likely to release DeMarcus Ware
http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/dal...arcus-ware.ece
Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) leads the pregame huddle before facing the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field in Landover, MD, Sunday, November 20, 2011.
Published: 11 March 2014 02:54 PM
Updated: 11 March 2014 02:54 PM
One of the biggest questions of the off-season was likely answered Tuesday as the Dallas Cowboys reportedly are planning tol release All-Pro defensive end DeMarcus Ware, according to an ESPN report.
If he remained with Dallas, Ware, 31, was scheduled to count $16 million against the salary cap in 2014. The league announced late last week the salary ceiling for the upcoming season is $133 million.
Speculation about Ware’s future with the Cowboys has been ongoing for the better part of the season thanks to his high salary, increasing 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.
Ware, who had been an outside linebacker in the Cowboys 3-4 scheme during his first eight seasons in the NFL, moved to defensive end last year and turned in the worst season of his career. He missed three games and finished with six sacks and 40 tackles, both career lows.
A nerve problem associated with a right-elbow injury, combined with other physical ailments that included a bothersome back and a quadriceps strain, contributed to Ware’s subpar performance this past season.
Ware had successful surgery on his elbow Feb. 18, so he should have no problem latching on with another team.
Ware joins fellow defensive linemen Everette Brown and Corvey Irvin as cuts, as well as offensive linemen Phil Costa, Jeff Olson and Ray Dominguez.
The seven-time Pro Bowler leaves Dallas as the franchise’s all-time leader in sacks with 117, also holding the high mark in forced fumbles (32).
Had Ware stuck around in Dallas, his contract was going to have to be restructured or the amount of money would have to be reduced.
In the end, The Cowboys decided it would be best to simply cut the former first-round draft pick, who has become one of the most popular players on the roster during his nine seasons in the league — all with Dallas.