Lindsay H. Jones

USA TODAY Sports

DeMarcus Ware's tenure with the Dallas Cowboys is over.

The Cowboys released Ware, the team's career sack leader, on Tuesday as the new league year began.

Ware, 31, was scheduled to make $12.25 million in 2014, part of the six-year, $79 million contract he signed with the Cowboys in 2009. The Cowboys save $16 million in cap space by releasing him.

"A decision like this, involving a man who is a cornerstone player in the history of your franchise, is extremely difficult," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said in a statement.

Ware had 117 sacks in his nine years with the Cowboys, including seven consecutive seasons with double-digit sacks from 2006-2012. He had only six sacks in 2013, the lowest total of his career, as he struggled with injuries. He played in only 13 games last year, the first time in his career he missed a game.

Jones said he met with Ware on Tuesday afternoon. They decided, Jones said, it was best for Ware 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.

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