Dallas Cowboys reportedly release their 2016 sack leader

According to several reports, the Dallas Cowboys have now released their veteran pass rusher who actually lead the team in sacks back in 2016.

The Dallas Cowboys figure to be big-time players in free agency. And by that I mean they’ll likely dedicate the major of their salary cap space to securing their own free agents and signing some of their own players to extensions.

The spending started earlier this week as the Cowboys used their franchise tag to retain the services of defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence. That move will cost the Cowboys a whopping $17.143 million this year.

In corresponding move, several sources are now reporting that the Cowboys have released fellow defensive end Benson Mayowa. By cutting the 26-year old pass rusher, Dallas will gain $2.75 million in salary cap space.

Prior to joining the Cowboys are a restricted free agent, Mayowa spent his first three NFL seasons with the Seattle Seahawks and the Oakland Raiders. In 2016, Dallas offered Mayowa a three-year, $8.25 million deal that Oakland refused to match.

In his first season in Dallas, Mayowa racked up 25 total tackles, 6.0 sacks and forced a fumble in 13 games. Despite only starting in six contests that year, Benson ended up leading the Cowboys in sacks.

Last season, Mayowa’s production all but disappeared despite the fact he played exactly the same number of defensive snaps as he did in 2016 (381). The fifth-year pass rusher posted 21 tackles and 1.0 sack in 14 games last year.

Next: Cowboys 2018 Post-Combine 7 Round Mock Draft 2.0

The release of Benson Mayowa likely confirms two things in Big D. One, that the Dallas Cowboys are probably hoping 2017 first round selection, defensive end Taco Charlton, will develop into a more consistent performer in Year Two. And, two, that the Cowboys are in the market to add a defensive end or two in free agency and/or in the upcoming NFL draft.