The Dallas Cowboys have released disgruntled veteran linebacker Greg Ellis.

Ellis, who spent all 11 of his NFL seasons with the Cowboys, had been unhappy with both his contract and his role within the team since being moved from defensive end to linebacker in 2006.

Ellis's release could save Dallas $4.15 million base salary.

"I have a tremendous amount of respect for Greg," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said last week after announcing that Ellis was unlikely to return to the team.

"We've certainly had our differences from time to time, certainly on the business side. That goes with the Cowboys - that's not unusual at all."

Named the NFL's 2007 Comeback Player of the Year after returning from a severe Achilles injury the previous season, Ellis led the team in sacks from 2002-06 and currently ranks eighth on the team's all-time sacks list with 77.