Where Will DeMarcus Go After Dallas Cowboys Released Him? Jerry Jones Holds Player In 'Highest Regard'
It became official on Tuesday that NFL defensive end DeMarcus Ware is no longer a Dallas Cowboy. The team released the player, who was the Cowboys’ sack leader, USA Today reported. But the real question everyone was asking, at least those who voiced their opinion on Twitter, was: “Where will he go?”
Generally, Dallas fans don’t want to see one of their favorite players go to another NFC East team, like the New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles or Washington Redskins. But for the most part, Twitter users (Cowboys fans aside) were thrilled that Ware was now a free agent. Going to the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks, Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints were just a few of the options some Twitterati threw out on Tuesday. It seemed just about all fans would be happy to have Ware acquired by their home team.
Sports Illustrated touched on a possible position change now that Ware is no longer with the Dallas Cowboys. If he returned to the outside linebacker position it could extend his career, former Dallas Cowboy defensive end Greg Ellis, who played with Ware, told KESN-FM via DallasNews.com.
Ware, 31, had originally been contracted to make $12.5 million for the 2014 season, part of the six-year, $79 million agreement he signed with the NFC East team in 2009. By releasing him, the Dallas Cowboys have saved $16 million, but it doesn’t mean the choice was easy. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said in a statement via USA Today: "A decision like this, involving a man who is a cornerstone player in the history of your franchise, is extremely difficult.”
During his nine years with the Cowboys, Ware had 117 sacks, including seven consecutive seasons with double-digit sacks. But 2013 wasn’t a good year for the 31-year-old athlete. He struggled with injuries and only had six sacks, the lowest total of his career. He also played only 13 games in the 2013 season, which also marks the first time he missed a game in his career.
According to USA Today, Jones and Ware met on Tuesday. Jones felt it would be best for the player to be able to "explore the options he will have for the 2014 season and beyond."
"DeMarcus Ware, through his performance on the field and his outstanding character, is someone who is held in the highest regard within the Dallas Cowboys family. He is worthy of our greatest respect, and we want what is best for him and his family," Jones said.
Follow me on Twitter @mariamzzarella
© Copyright IBTimes 2024. All rights reserved.