The Dallas Cowboy’s released wide receiver Dez Bryant Friday the 13th, in Frisco, TX. The news came after Bryant met with Cowboy’s owner Jerry Jones, who personally delivered the club's plans to break with the player whom they drafted in 2010 as the 24th overall pick.
In an article for ESPN Jerry Jones said the following:
"As an organization, we hold Dez Bryant in the highest regard, and we are grateful for his passion, spirit, and contributions to this team for the past eight years," Jones said in a statement. "He will always be a valued member of our family."
Bryant’s future with the team has been the topic of conversation within the Cowboys’ offseason due to his 12.5 million dollar base salary and the 16.5 million dollar salary cap. Since signing a five-year 70 million dollar contract in 2015, Bryant has suffered two injuries with the team. He missed playing time in 2015 to nurse his broken foot, and later in 2016, dealt with a tibial plateau fracture.
Bryant’s big contract and lack of delivery forced Cowboy's hand in releasing him. He will now become an unrestricted free agent.
Bryant’s eight seasons with the Cowboys encompassed 113 games, where the wide-receiver caught 513 passes for 7,459 yards and held a franchise-record of 73 touchdown receptions. Total yardage ranks fifth in franchise history right behind Jason Witten, Michael Irvin, Tony Hill, and Drew Pearson.
While this is a stunning announcement to Cowboy fans, Bryant claims to be “#unbothered” by the news.