Associated Press
IRVING, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys waived Troy Aikman yesterday, no longer convinced that the quarterback who led them to three Super Bowl titles is healthy enough to be their starter.
"We always shared a mutual respect for what was in the best interest of Troy and the Dallas Cowboys," owner Jerry Jones said. "In the end, it was in the best interest for him to have a timely opportunity to entertain all of his options. He’ll be missed on the field at Texas Stadium."
Aikman, who spent 12 seasons with Dallas and suffered 10 concussions, said he’d still like to play somewhere.
"Whether that’s able to work out or not, I don’t know," the 34-year-old passer said.
Jones had to make the move by today or else pay Aikman a $7 million bonus and extend his contract through 2007. He will still take up $10 million of Dallas’ $67.4 million salary cap this season.
Jones said the salary cap was a factor in the decision.
"Troy’s loyalty to this organization was involved. The future makeup of our team’s roster was involved," he said.
Aikman called it a "mutual and amicable decision."
Dallas also agreed to re-sign linebacker Dexter Coakley for $25 million for six years, with a $5.5 million signing bonus. To clear cap room, the Cowboys were expected to release veterans Erik Williams and Chad Hennings.
Aikman, a six-time Pro Bowler, holds practically every Dallas passing record. He sustained two concussions in 11 games last season and twice needed epidural injections to relieve back pain.
Aikman came to Dallas in 1989 as the top overall choice in the draft. In 12 seasons, he completed 2,898 of 4,715 (61.5 percent) passes for 32,942 yards, 165 touchdowns and 141 interceptions.
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