According to Todd Archer of the Dallas Morning News, the Cowboys told wide receiver Sam Hurd that they could only guarantee his roster spot if he took a pay cut from his $1.759 million salary.
Full of confidence that he has value elsewhere, Hurd told them no thanks.
And the Cowboys kept him anyway.
The story reminds us of the scene in last week’s Hard Knocks where Jets quarterback Kellen Clemens accepts a pay cut to keep his roster spot. It’s a high stakes game of poker and this time Hurd won, successfully calling the Cowboys’ bluff.
Hurd enjoyed a fine Saturday, but many other Cowboys weren’t so lucky. Fourth and Long winner Jesse Holley was among those released by the team. Cornerback Cletis Gordon also surprisingly got the boot. Here’s the rest of the Cowboys releases:
Cornerback Bryan McCann, guard Travis Bright, tight end Martin Rucker, nose tackle Junior Siavii, linebacker Steve Octavien, tight end Jason Pociask, running back Herb Donaldson, running back Lonyae Miller, tackle Will Barker, tight end DajLeon Farr, outside linebacker Curtis Johnson, defensive lineman Jimmy Saddler-McQueen, wide receiver Manny Johnson, cornerback Teddy Williams, cornerback Jamar Wall, linebacker Brandon Sharpe, and offensive lineman Mike Tepper
The team kept only two tight ends and three cornerbacks, indicating they aren’t done making moves. So maybe Hurd shouldn’t spend that money just yet.