Cowboys release QB Bledsoe, two others NFL.com wire reports
IRVING, Texas (March 1, 2007) -- Quarterback Drew Bledsoe, who was benched during the season by Dallas, was released by the Cowboys in a move that had been expected. Bledsoe, the first overall pick in the 1993 draft by New England, started 193 games in the NFL, including the first six in 2006 before he was replaced by Tony Romo, who then earned a spot on the NFC Pro Bowl team. Bledsoe was due a $1 million roster bonus and would have made $4.5 million next season. The Cowboys also released tight end Ryan Hannam and guard E.J. Whitley. Bledsoe was 3,839-of-6,717 passing for 44,611 yards and 251 touchdowns for the New England Patriots (1993-2001), Buffalo (2002-04) and Dallas (2005-06). He is fifth on the NFL career lists in attempts and completions and seventh in yards. "I spoke with Drew today and told him that this was primarily a cap decision and that the door was very much open for him being a part of our future," Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones said. "Drew has been a solid leader for our team and a true professional both on and off the field." Hannam joined the Cowboys as an unrestricted free agent last spring from Seattle. He saw action in two games, mainly on special teams, before he was placed on injured reserve Oct. 11 with a degenerative condition in his right knee. Whitley was a seventh-round pick last year, but tore the ACL in his left knee in rookie minicamp and spent the season injured reserve. NFL on  Judge: Sanity prevails in negotiations with steadfast Smith  Rumor Mill  Judge: If anyone deserves a hefty raise this offseason, it's LB Fletcher
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· Cowboys release Bledsoe, avoid $1 million bonus · Cowboys finally get their defensive coordinator · McBriar to get five-year deal · Official Team Site
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Several players in the National Football League are packing their bags. Topping the list is Steelers linebacker Joey Porter. Porter was considering holding out of training camp for a new deal, and the Steelers needed breathing room to fit under the salary cap. Porter, called the "Most Feared Player in the NFL" by Sports Illustrated last fall, had a disappointing 2006 campaign, with only seven sacks.

The New Orleans Saints released Joe Horn by his own request. Horn was a fan favorite, standing up for the city when the team was forced to evacuate following Hurricane Katrina. Horn is also known for infamously pulling a cell phone out of a goal post in a post-touchdown celebration. 

Drew Bledsoe in pre-game streches.
As expected, the Dallas Cowboys cut quarterback Drew Bledsoe, although Cowboys owner Jerry Jones did not rule out Bledsoe returning at a lower salary, stating: "I spoke with Drew today and told him that this was primarily a cap decision and that the door was very much open for him being a part of our future." Bledsoe, a former first pick in the draft, was pushed out of his job by Tony Romo after a terrible first half in 2006.

The San Francisco 49ers released wide receiver Antonio Bryant, after Bryant had several clashes with the law, as well as 49ers head coach Mike Nolan. Bryant lead San Francisco with 40 receptions for 733 yards. Bryant's short career with the 49ers ended in a four-game suspension to end the season.

San Diego Chargers wide receiver Keenan McCardell was among those released Thursday. The 37 year old receiver had 36 catches for the Chargers last year, his 15th NFL season. The Chargers also released safety Terrance Kiel and linebacker Steve Foley. Kiel had pleaded guilty last month to felony and misdemeanor drug charges. Foley had been shot this past year by a police officer.