Dallas Cowboys to release Allen Hurns, but he could return
The Dallas Cowboys were hoping to keep wide receiver Allen Hurns according to a report. But the veteran wideout will be released to explore his options.
Prior to the start of training camp this weekend, the Dallas Cowboys are doing some housekeeping along their roster. According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, the Cowboys will release wide receiver Allen Hurns. The 27-year-old will become an unrestricted free agent.
As a free agent last offseason, Hurns signed a two-year deal worth up to $12 million in Dallas prior to the release of former Cowboys’ wideout Dez Bryant. Unfortunately, the former Jacksonville Jaguar underwhelmed during his short stint in Big D, posting 20 receptions for 295 yards and two touchdowns in 2018.
The fifth-year receiver suffered a gruesome leg injury (dislocated ankle, broken fibula) during the Cowboys’ playoff win over the Seattle Seahawks in the Wild Card round. Hurns recorded one catch for 14 yards in the contest.
Despite his poor production and devastating leg injury, the Cowboys opted to exercise Hurn’s option in March, making his salary cap hit $6.25 million in 2019 according to spotrac.com. This was believed to be a credit to Hurn’s impact on the franchise as a locker room presence and stellar teammate.
It now appears Hurn’s salary became a sticking point for the Cowboys. According to Schefter, Dallas actually wanted the veteran to remain with the team, just at a lower salary. Hurns apparently refused, wanting to test his worth in the league instead as a free agent. But there does appear to be a chance he could return to the Cowboys if he finds the open market unwelcoming.
The move will clear $5 million of salary-cap space for the Cowboys, which could come in handy as the team attempts to grant extensions to players like quarterback Dak Prescott, wide receiver Amari Cooper, running back Ezekiel Elliott, and cornerback Byron Jones.
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As for Allen Hurns, it’s unclear what the market will be like for the veteran receiver. He did post one stellar season back in 2015 with the Jaguars, recording 64 receptions for 1,031 yards and 10 touchdowns. But Hurns has struggled with injuries and low production ever since.