The Dallas Cowboys have released veteran defensive end Benson Mayowa, clearing salary cap space ahead of next week’s start to free agency.
Shedding Mayowa’s contract saves the team $2.75 million from his scheduled $3.85 million cap hit in 2018. It will leave $1.1 million in dead money this year.
Benson, who turns 27 in August, was signed in the 2016 offseason after being a rotation 3-4 outside linebacker with the Oakland Raiders. Dallas hoped he would blossom in their 4-3 scheme, and he did lead the defense with six sacks in 2016.
However, after DeMarcus Lawrence’s breakout season and the drafting of Taco Charlton, Mayowa’s role disappeared quickly. His prospects for 2018 looked even worse with Charles Tapper coming back from injury and the potential reinstatement of Randy Gregory.
This was one of a few expected moves this week as the Cowboys get ready for free agency. Veteran James Hanna is also likely to be cut for similar savings, and restructures should be announced soon on the contracts of Travis Frederick, Jason Witten, and other veterans.
