Cowboys release Poe, Worley
The Dallas Cowboys released defensive tackle Dontari Poe and cornerback Daryl Worley on Wednesday.
Dallas reportedly tried to trade the pair but was unsuccessful.
When asked whether Poe being the only Cowboys player to kneel during the national anthem contributed to the team's decision, owner Jerry Jones said it mainly came down to Poe's weight and a lack of drive.
"When you're 30 pounds overweight and you're not doing anything about what's keeping you from performing well on the field, there is no reason to get into the other stuff," Jones said, according to Chris Mortensen of ESPN.
The Cowboys are starting to become sellers after beginning the season 2-5, as they've moved some veterans ahead of the Nov. 3 trade deadline. They traded Pro Bowl defensive end Everson Griffen to the Detroit Lions for a conditional draft pick Tuesday.
Dallas has now parted with five of its main offseason acquisitions.
2020 Cowboys offseason acquisitions no longer on the roster:
- Dani Sureck (@DaniSureck) October 28, 2020
-DT Gerald McCoy
-S HaHa Clinton-Dix
-DE Everson Griffen
-DT Dontari Poe
-CB Daryl Worley https://t.co/E3tF9Fm4fF
"You make mistakes, you move on," Jones added. "We're moving on, but by no means are we giving up."
Poe amassed just seven tackles and zero sacks through seven appearances after signing a two-year deal with the Cowboys in the offseason. The 30-year-old was on the field for 53% of the team's defensive snaps this campaign, the most among the Cowboys' interior defensive linemen.
Meanwhile, Worley recorded 14 tackles and one pass breakup this year. He also joined the club this past offseason.
The Cowboys rank last in scoring defense (34.7 points per game) and 27th in total yards allowed (408.1 per game). They've also created just three turnovers (one interception and two forced fumbles).
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