The Dallas Cowboys have reportedly released wide receiver Terrell Owens. Should we be surprised? After all, look at all the controversy centered around Owens last season. He reportedly had problems with quarterback Tony Romo, tight end Jason Witten and offensive coordinator Jason Garrett.
The Cowboys were one of the most talented teams in the league last season, but they struggled to finish 9-7 and missed the playoffs. On a roster loaded with stars, the team was missing one important ingredient to success -- team chemistry.
Am I surprised by the move? Not at all, but I am a bit surprised by the timing of it. Dallas will take a roughly $9 million salary cap hit with the release of Owens.
At 35-years old, Owens is clearly at that point in a receiver's career where his productivity will start to decline. It already started last season. And Owens is not the type of guy who will put the blame on himself. Instead, he will lash out at his quarterback and coaches. Sound familiar? And it will only get worse as time goes by and Owens' numbers continue to fall.
This may sound funny when we're talking about cutting a player with the talent of a Terrell Owens, but I actually think Dallas will be a better team without him. The Cowboys are certainly not lacking in offensive talent. Roy Williams is a bonafide #1 receiver, Romo is a Pro-Bowl caliber quarterback, Witten is among the best tight ends in the game, the Cowboys are three-deep at running back, and the offensive line is a talented group. At least now there will be enough footballs to go around.
It's clearly addition by subtraction.