Three years after the Cowboys made a big splash in free agency by signing Terrell Owens, Dallas owner Jerry Jones has reportedly decided to release the receiver.The move will apparently cost the Cowboys $9 million against the salary cap for next year, although other reports indicate that the move won't be as costly because the Cowboys do not have to pay Owens' roster bonus or base salary.
The Cowboys had a 31-17 record with Owens on the roster between 2006 and 2008. As far as statistics, he had a more productive three-year stretch than just about any other receiver in team history other than Michael Irvin. Here is a look:
Michael Irvin (1993-1995): 278 rec., 4,174 yards, 23 TDs
Terrell Owens (2006-2008): 235 rec., 3,587 yards, 38 TDs
Bob Hayes (1965-1967): 159 rec., 3,233 yards, 35 TDs
Tony Hill (1978-1980): 166 rec., 2,940 yards, 24 TDs
Drew Pearson (1974-1976): 166 rec., 2,715 yards, 16 TDs
Lance Rentzel (1967-1969): 155 rec., 2,965 yards, 26 TDs
Frank Clarke (1961-1963): 135 rec., 2,795 yards, 33 TDs
(To be sure, Hayes, Pearson, Rentzel, and Clarke compiled these stats during 14-game schedules instead of 16-game schedules)
There were, of course, many negatives associated with Owens, including dropped passes and his ability to cause disruptions in the locker room. On the other hand, the move leaves the Cowboys with Roy Williams as the top receiving threat, which is scary.
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