Jason Garrett: Cowboys Love Dez Bryant Despite Challenging Situation

Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett explained Tuesday that the release of receiver Dez Bryant was a business decision and not personal.

"It's a challenging situation," Garrett explained, per Todd Archer of ESPN.com. "A lot of different factors go into these kinds of decisions and again the guidepost for all of this is: What's in the best interest of the Dallas Cowboys? And that's why we made this decision. Wish Dez nothing but the best going forward. He's a special guy. I love him. I will always love him and the impact that he's made on this franchise has been significant."

Bryant had a cap hit of $16.5 million for each of the next two seasons but hadn't lived up to his contract while averaging just 678.3 yards in the past three years.

Cowboys executive Stephen Jones also said Bryant "can be a distraction for other teammates," via A.J. Perez of USA Today.

Bryant has not taken the release well, explaining that the move was personal:

Although he didn't blame Garrett himself, he did say "Garrett's guys" had worked to force him off the team, via Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk. "I won't put no names out, but they know, and I want them to know on this air I know."

Garrett's words might serve as a recommendation for other teams as the receiver approaches free agency, but it likely won't ease the pain for the player.

Bryant had spent his entire eight-year career with the Cowboys, earning three Pro Bowl selections while totaling 73 touchdowns, which ranks fifth among active players. While he is coming off a few down years where he has dealt with injuries, the 29-year-old could still be an impact player in the NFL next season.