On Friday, April 13th, the Dallas Cowboys released their wide receiver, Dez Bryant. The Oklahoma State alum was drafted as the 24th pick in the 2010 NFL draft by the Cowboys.

It was announced early on April 13th, that the franchise had decided to part ways with their veteran wideout. Dallas Cowboys owner, Jerry Jones, issued a statement based on the organization's plans and stated, "as an organization, we hold Dez Bryant in the highest regard, and we are grateful for his passion, spirit, and contributions to this team for the past 8 years. He will always be a valued member of our family."

Jones and Bryant's relationship has been a fruitful one, filled with mutual support and respect. However, several within the Dallas Cowboys organization ultimately believed it was time to direct the team in another direction.

Bryant's rookie contract with the Cowboys in 2010 was $11.8 million over five years. He completed his rookie season with 45 receptions for 561 and six receiving touchdowns. His performance also granted him a spot on the NFL All-Rookie team for the season.

During the final year of his rookie contract (2014), Bryant improved and had the most dynamic season of his career. He caught for 88 passes and 1,320 yards and 16 touchdowns, leading the NFL and surpassing "Terrell Owens' franchise record of 15 touchdown receptions."

Following his success for the franchise over the course of his first contract, the Cowboys placed the non-exclusive franchise tag (worth $12.823 million) on Bryant during the offseason.

In July of 2015, Bryant signed a second contract with the Cowboys over five years, totaling $70 million, $45 million guaranteed and a $20 million signing bonus.

At the beginning of the 2015 season, Bryant suffered a fracture in his foot that required surgery. This required him to be out for 4-6 weeks. Upon his return in week 8, Bryant caught his first touchdown of the season and went for 104 yards.

The Cowboys were hopeful for a return to playoffs heading into the 2016 season with the return of quarterback Tony Romo and addition of Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott. However, once again, Bryant's season came to a halt after he suffered a hairline fracture in his knee during the week 3 matchup against the Chicago Bears, resulting in him being out the next four weeks.

During the 2017 season, in a contest against the Washington Redskins, the three-time pro bowler broke the franchise record (71) for receiving touchdowns. He went on to finish the season with 69 receptions for 838 yards and six touchdowns.

According to Monday Morning Quarterback's Albert Breer, "Cowboys coaches started seeing Bryant's overwhelming physical gifts start to slip away all the way back in 2015, the injury-plagued first-season of his five-year, $70 million second contract."

Without Bryant, there lies a void in the receiver position for the Cowboys.

He has become such an integral part of their offense over the past 8 years and his successor will definitely have large shoes to fill.

For the 29 year-old receiver, his time in the NFL is definitely not over. Several voices in sports have thrown out many franchises that might prove to be a great fit for Bryant and his skills, such as the Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers, and even NFC-rival Washington Redskins.