Cowboys Cut Andre Gurode

Added on Aug 29, 2011 by Scott in

NFL

The writing has been on the wall for Cowboys Pro Bowl center Andre Gurode since training camp opened. He wanted a restructured contract. The Cowboys wanted him to play under his current deal. Something had to give and it finally did earlier today when the Cowboys parted ways with arguably their best offensive lineman after nine seasons.

Gurode was signed through 2012, but apparently was looking for a longer commitment from the team that drafted him in 2002. The salary cap strapped front office wasn’t willing to extend Gurode and were hoping to lower his cap figure for 2011. Both sides held their ground. but Gurode is the one on the outside looking in.

The move is a risky one for Dallas. They already allowed starters Leonard Davis and Marc Colombo to leave via free agency. With Gurode jettisoned, Kyle Kosier moved to right guard and first-round pick Tyron Smith anointed the new right tackle, the offensive line will look vastly different than in previous seasons.

Replacing Gurode at center will be 2010 undrafted free agent Phil Costa. The only problem with that is Costa is still nursing a sprained PCL in his knee, so his availability for the season opener versus the Jets remains in question. If he can’t play, the ‘Boys might be forced to turn to undrafted rookie Kevin Kowalski, who started Saturday’s preseason game.

The Cowboys want to get younger and quicker along the line. In theory that makes sense, but in reality it could backfire. The overhaul is similar to the one NFC East rival Philadelphia is undergoing. Like Dallas, the Eagles are expected to have new starters at four positions, including a pair of rookies.

Needless to say, quarterbacks Tony Romo and Mike Vick can’t be pleased at the prospect of patchwork lines protecting them from harm, especially considering both suffered injuries a season ago that caused them to miss multiple games.

As for Gurode, he shouldn’t have trouble landing a job as long as his ailing knee proves healthy.

Source: ESPN.com