Irving, TX (SportsNetwork.com) - The Dallas Cowboys decided to part ways with the franchise's all-time sacks leader on Tuesday, releasing linebacker DeMarcus Ware after nine seasons.
Ware has totaled 117 sacks since 2005, when Dallas selected him in the first round (11th overall) of that year's draft.
"A decision like this, involving a man who is a cornerstone player in the history of your franchise, is extremely difficult," said Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones in a statement shortly after the club decided to release the seven-time Pro-Bowler.
Ware's cap hit for the 2014 season, even with a restructured contract, was to be $16 million. The move saves the club $7 million on the cap for next year.
Ware compiled 58 tackles and eight sacks while participating in 13 games for the Cowboys in 2013 -- the first time in his career he failed to see action in every contest during a given season. A strained quad suffered in October cost the Troy product three games mid-season.
The 31-year-old native of Alabama departs the Metroplex having racked up 547 tackles and two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) in addition to the overall club record for taking down the quarterback. Ware set a single- season sacks record with 20 in 2008.
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