Cowboys Release Dez Bryant

Dez Bryant has been with the Cowboys since they drafted him in the first round in 2010.

The Cowboys released wide receiver Dez Bryant, the team announced Friday. 

Adam Schefter and Todd Archer of ESPN.com first reported the move would be made "barring an unexpected last-minute change of heart." 

Bryant had a meeting with team owner Jerry Jones Friday, and many expected the meeting would be about Bryant's contract and whether or not he would take a pay cut to remain with the team. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports that it was short meeting between Jones and Bryant and the team did not offer him the option to take a pay cut. Mickey Spagnola, a columnist on the team's official website, reports Bryant left the building saying he will see the Cowboys "twice" this year.

The three-time Pro Bowler was scheduled to make $12.5 million each of the next two seasons with a $16.5 million cap hit each year.

Dez has left the building

(via @jonmachota) pic.twitter.com/1HuuKMo55q

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) April 13, 2018

Bryant took to Twitter shortly after the news was reported to share his thoughts.

let’s start the process #unbothered #ThrowUpTheX

— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) April 13, 2018

Cowboy nation I need you to know this wasn’t my decision.. I will always love y’all... forever Dallas in my heart

— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) April 13, 2018

The love is real .. thank you

— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) April 13, 2018

ALERT & official: #Cowboys release @DezBryant .. no negotiation, no post-June 1. Dez’ intention? Find a way to play AGAINST Dallas in 2018. pic.twitter.com/8De33hFZ53

— fishsports ✭ (@fishsports) April 13, 2018

? Twice? Let’s see https://t.co/939nM5atzi

— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) April 13, 2018

If I didn’t have my edge I got it now... I’m sorry they got to feel me it’s personal... it’s very personal

— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) April 13, 2018

Bryant also retweeted this.

Gotta think Dez will look into playing for NYG, Philly or Wash...so he can play Cowboys twice. 🤔 #NFCEast https://t.co/BAfrjd8xBW

— Jonah Javad (@JonahJavad) April 13, 2018

Jones released a statement explaining how the organization came to this decision.

As an organization, we hold Dez Bryant in the highest regard, and we are grateful for his passion, spirit and contributions to this team for the past eight years. He will alway be a valued member of our family.

Dez and I share a personal and professional relationship that is very strong, and he is one of just a handful of players with whom I have become that close to over the past 30 years.

This was not an easy decision. It was made based upon doing what we believe is in the best interest of the Dallas Cowboys.

We arrived at this crossroads collectively with input from several voices within the organization. Ultimately we determined it was time to go in a new direction.

Key words in this statement.. Several input.. something I already knew https://t.co/2P0mAIOSVs

— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) April 13, 2018

Last season, the 2014 All-Pro wideout had 69 catches for 838 yards and six touchdowns.

For his career, Bryant, 29, has 531 grabs for 7,459 yards and 73 touchdowns for Dallas after the team selected him with the No. 24 pick in the 2010 draft.