In the days leading up to the meeting between the Dallas Cowboys and star wide receiver Dez Bryant, there was much uncertainty in terms of how things would transpire between both sides.

It turned out to be a quick process between both sides with the Cowboys making it clear that they were to go part ways with Bryant after eight years. According to Ian Rapoport of The NFL Network, the Cowboys had also not attempted to offer a pay cut to possibly retain the 29-year-old along with an immediate release from his contract.

This has placed Bryant on the open market for the first time in his career where he will be looking to play for another team aside from the Cowboys. The front office likely viewed that Bryant's $16.5 million cap hit was simply too much to take at this point given that his level of production has not matched what that type of salary would be expected.

Bryant has seen a significant drop off in his production over the last three seasons failing to reach 1,000 receiving yards and 70 receptions in each campaign. The 29-year-old has also struggled to play with the same level of burst and separation from defenders that he had earlier in his career that saw him put up numbers like an elite wideout with at least 88 catches, 1,200 receiving yards and 12 receiving touchdowns from 2012 to 2014.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Cowboys Dak Prescott with NFL Draft acquisition Tyler Guyton and Mike McCarthy mentee Tyler Smith

Jay Postrado ·

Patriots' Ezekiel Elliott stands next to Cowboys logo, Dak Prescott in background

Christopher Smith ·

Micah Parsons (Cowboys) action shot with deal with it shades

Rexwell Villas ·

This along with the notion that it would have been difficult for Bryant to accept a likely much lower pay at this point of his career could have been a huge factor in the Cowboys' decision to move on. The former Pro Bowler had been due $33 million over the final two years of his five-year, $70 million deal. Ultimately, it was a clear separation that appears that both had a strong understanding of the standing of the situation moving forward.

Bryant will now hit the open market where he could quickly attract attention around the league from several teams in need of adding a proven wide receiver. These next couple of weeks ahead of the draft could become quite intriguing for him as he filters through to decide his next landing spot.