IRVING, Texas (AP) — The Dallas Cowboys are releasing franchise sacks leader DeMarcus Ware to save salary cap room after the worst season of his career.

Owner Jerry Jones said in a statement it was "extremely difficult" to make a decision announced just as free agency opened Tuesday.

Ware broke Harvey Martin's 30-year-old franchise record for sacks in 2013, but got to the quarterback a career-low six times and missed games for the first time in his nine-year career.

Ware was set to count $16 million against the salary cup. His release saves about $7.4 million and gives Dallas about $9 million to spend at the moment.

The 31-year-old Ware had 117 sacks in Dallas and went to seven Pro Bowls.

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