SB Nation 2011 NFL Free Agency
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The Cowboys have informed RB Marion Barber that he will be released on Thursday.
The Dallas Cowboys have been making moves now that the NFL lockout is over and perhaps the biggest name on the cut list is RB Marion Barber. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Cowboys have informed Barber he will be released.
Teams can officially release players on Thursday afternoon.
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Barber has been in Dallas for six seasons but with the emergence of other running back options his time in Dallas has come to an end. The Cowboys will turn to RB Tashard Choice, RB Felix Jones and rookie RB DeMarco Murray.
Barber's known for his punishing running style which makes me wonder how much he has left in the tank. He'll find a home from some running back-needy team this season.
The Cowboys were reportedly as much as $18 million over the salary cap so they have some work to do. Barber is a good start as his $4.75 million is now taken off the books.
Barber had a career-low 113 carries and 374 yards in 2010.
Check out Blogging The Boys to see how Cowboys fans are handling the news.
Marion Barber Signs Two-Year Deal With Chicago Bears, According To Report
Though Marion Barber got off to a good start in his NFL career, last year wasn't as kind to him. He rushed for a career low 374 yards in 2010, and that along with his $4.75 million salary lead to his release by the Dallas Cowboys earlier this week. It hasn't taken long for Barber to find a new landing spot, as he's signed with the Chicago Bears.
According to NFL.com's Jason La Canfora, Barber's deal is worth $5 million over two years. This is a significant pay cut for Barber, but still solid money for a backup running back. Expect him to get a decent number of carries behind Matt Forte this season.
This move raises speculation about the role of Chester Taylor, who was Forte's main backup last season. It's possible that the Bears could come a bit more run-heavy this season, or that they want to move Taylor strictly into a third down role due to his age.
For more on Barber and the Bears, visit SB Nation's Chicago Bears blog Windy City Gridiron.
Jul 30 9:31p by Kevin McCauley - 0 comments