MARCH 7: The Cowboys have officially released Costa, according to the team. Dallas also restructured offensive lineman Mackenzy Bernadeau‘s contract to help gain cap room.
FEBRUARY 28: The Cowboys have already released four players today, and another cut is around the corner, reports Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (link via the National Football Post). According to Wilson, the Cowboys are parting ways with center Phil Costa, who will be released rather than accepting a pay cut.
Unlike the team’s earlier cuts, Costa was not on a minimum salary deal for 2014, so releasing him will create $1.5MM in cap savings for Dallas. The 26-year-old had a cap number of $1.725MM, which will be reduced to $225K in dead money.
Costa was the Cowboys’ full-time starter at center in 2011, but missed most of 2012 with an ankle injury and transitioned into a backup role in 2013.