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2012 NFL Free Agency: Cowboys Release Kicker David Buehler

According to Sports Illustrated, the Dallas Cowboys have decided to release David Buehler, who was mostly a kickoff specialist for the team but missed the majority of the 2011 season with a groin injury.

A fifth-round draft pick out of USC in 2009, Buehler played in 36 career games for the Cowboys with 60 touchbacks. He made 24 of 32 field goals, 42 of 44 extra points and had 19 tackles on special teams.

Buehler played only four games last season before being placed on injured reserve Nov. 10. In 2009, Buehler led the NFL and set a single-season Cowboys record with 29 touchbacks on kickoffs.

In 2011, the kickoff responsibility was mostly handled by Dan Bailey, who averaged 65.3 yards per kick and had 24 touchbacks, so it's likely that the team is comfortable sticking with him. Having one kicker also will help the Cowboys stay under the salary cap in 2012.

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Photographs by jamesbrandon, jdtornow, phlezk, flygraphix, mcdlttx, tomasland, and literalbarrage used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.