Cowboys cut Owens

Owens (L) and Romo

And I have all the feelings that I should have as far as Terrell as the great player he is and the impact he has made. I do appreciate what he has been for our team. But we certainly felt that this decision is the way we ought to go.

Jerry Jones
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Controversial wide receiver Terrell Owens has been cut by the Dallas Cowboys, with owner Jerry Jones confirming the 'tough decision' had been made.

The 35-year-old was a prolific scorer during his three seasons with the NFC East outfit, but also endured a strained relationship with some of his team-mates.

Owens very publicly clashed with quarterback Tony Romo and tight-end Jason Witten last season as the Cowboys finished with a 9-7 record - missing out on the post-season play-offs.

The six-times Pro Bowler was vocal about his unhappiness with his role in the offense during a campaign in which he managed only 69 receptions for 1,052 yards and 10 touchdowns - his lowest output with the team.

Owens had also endured similar fall-outs with quarterbacks Jeff Garcia and Donovan McNabb before acrimonious departures from the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles respectively.

Tough decision

"Well, this was certainly a tough decision," Jones said at a league meeting in Fort Lauderdale.

"I do appreciate what he has been for our team. But we certainly felt that this decision is the way we ought to go.

"In the aftermath of the season, we talked about change. Some of what is changing involves the process and some of it involves people.

"This is a decision that was made based upon consideration for an entire team. We will move on now with a new team - a new attitude - and into a new stadium."

In three seasons with Dallas, Owens - who was on a four-year $34 million contract - caught 245 passes for 3,587 yards and a total of 38 touchdown receptions.

His 139 career touchdown receptions place him second all-time behind only Jerry Rice.

Williams walks

The Cowboys have also cut veteran safety, and five-time Pro Bowler, Roy Williams, as Jones does some houskeeping with his roster for next season.

Williams still has two years remaining on a $25.5 million, five-year contract extension, but will be let go as the Cowboys look to start life in their new stadium in better form.

"Roy has been a wonderful representative of this organisation since coming to Dallas," said Jones.

"Unfortunately we have reached a crossroad with his time here in Dallas and the difficult decision was made to allow him to explore other opportunities in the NFL."