Jerry Jones made it clear, both in action and words: Getting rid of Terrell Owens means a fresh start for the Dallas Cowboys.

Owens was released yesterday, ending a three-year run that produced as many big headlines and controversies as big plays. Many of those headlines were about ego and attitude, and Jones has decided enough is enough. He wants the focus on winning, something the Cowboys haven't done in the playoffs since 1996.

"In the aftermath of the season, we talked about change," Jones said in a statement. "Some of what is changing involves the process and some of it involves people. This is a decision that was made based upon consideration for an entire team.

"We will move on now with a new team -- a new attitude -- and into a new stadium. The evaluation process and the prospect for change will continue at every level of the organization."

Owens released a statement on his Web site thanking Jones, coach Wade Phillips and the organization "for the opportunity to be a member of the team for the past three years."

"A big thanks to the fans -- you've been awesome! I look forward to the upcoming season and continuing to play in the NFL," Owens added.

Owens caught more touchdown passes than any NFL receiver over the past three years and was a big part of Tony Romo's emergence from an unknown backup to a starlet-dating Pro Bowl quarterback with a $67 million contract.

Yet the Cowboys went 0 for 2 in the playoffs with Owens, and didn't even make it this past season. Dallas' late-season collapse -- capped by a lackluster effort in a win-and-you're-in finale in Philadelphia -- emphasized that a new approach was needed.

Dallas also released safety Roy Williams yesterday. Despite his reputation as a hard-hitter, teams never hesitated throwing his way in recent years because he struggled in coverage. Cutting Owens and Williams will cost the Cowboys about $14 million against the salary cap.

Patriots

New England sent a fifth-round draft pick to Philadelphia for wide receiver Greg Lewis. The Patriots also get the Eagles' seventh-round pick in 2010.

Broncos

Denver's offseason spending spree continued as backup quarterback Chris Simms agreed to an undisclosed deal yesterday. The Broncos have been the most active team in free agency, adding 12 seasoned veterans or career backups.

Jets

New York has told employees on the business side of the team's operations to take two weeks of unpaid leave this offseason, rather than cut jobs as several other teams and the league office have done in recent weeks. Employees on the football side aren't included in the plan.

Bills

Buffalo running back Marshawn Lynch pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor gun charge in Los Angeles and was sentenced to community service and probation.

Rams

Seven-time Pro Bowler Torry Holt, has asked for his release, league sources told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. But the Rams still have 12 days to grant the wide receiver's wish. Holt, 32, is due a roster bonus of $1.25 million March 17.

Elsewhere

Sports attorney David Cornwell has rejoined the list of finalists to replace the late Gene Upshaw as director of the NFL players association. The list also includes Trace Armstrong, DeMaurice Smith and Troy Vincent. The union is due to select its new leader March 15.