Dallas Cowboys Release Veteran Lineman Andre Gurode

The Dallas Cowboys announced Monday they’ve cut ties with Pro-Bowl center Andre Gurode, ending the 32-year-olds nine-year tenure with the team.

The five-time Pro Bowler, a second-round pick in 2002, had been the longest-tenured member of the team. He was scheduled to make $5.5 million in 2011 and $6.5 million in 2012. The Cowboys will now save $5.5 million on the cap this season and push $1.6 million of dead money into 2012.

With Gurode gone, the Cowboys likely will turn to second year player Phil Costa as their starting center. It’s a risky move considering Costa was an undrafted free agent a year ago and has been battling a sprained posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee this preseason.

Only left tackle Doug Free will return to the same position he played last season with Kyle Kosier moving to right guard in order to help the development of rookie first-round pick Tyron Smith, who will start at right tackle. Seventh rounder Bill Nagy appears to be in the lead to lead the left guard spot.