It's a busy day for the Dallas Cowboys as anticipated. After informing offensive linemen Marc Colombo and Leonard Davis of their impending releases, the Cowboys have given the axe to another offensive player: running back Marion Barber.
The writing had been on the wall for Barber for quite some time. After averaging 4.8 yards per rush in 2006 and 2007, Barber's numbers declined to 3.7 in 2008 before rising to 4.4 in 2009, but falling once again in 2010 to 3.3 yards per carry. Injuries have accounted for part of the reason that Barber has declined seemingly so rapidly.
Much like with Colombo, Barber's fate was somewhat obvious after the 2011 NFL Draft. Dallas selected DeMarco Murray from Oklahoma in the third round of the draft, seemingly forcing Barber from the fold with Felix Jones and Tashard Choice due back on Dallas' roster this coming season.
Barber was set to make over four million dollars in 2011 with a roster bonus of half a million that the Cowboys no longer have to pay.