IRVING, Texas (AP) - The Dallas Cowboys are releasing veteran defensive tackle Marcus Spears.
The move Wednesday was designated for June 1, when it will save the Cowboys $2 million against the salary cap.
Spears, who turned 30 last week, was the second of 2 first-round picks after DeMarcus Ware in 2005.
The move means the Cowboys are mostly considering younger options on their roster as they add an interior defensive lineman in a switch from the 3-4 to the 4-3.
Spears had 314 tackles in eight seasons, including a career-high 65 in 2008. He played in 88 straight games to start his career before a calf injury sidelined him in 2010.
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