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

T.O. was released yesterday, ending a three-year run that produced as many big headlines 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 last 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

SHORT SNAPS

Obituary: George McAfee, a college and pro football Hall of Famer who was a star for the NFL's Chicago Bears and at Duke, died Wednesday night in Durham, N.C. He was 90. In eight seasons with Chicago, McAfee gained more than 5,000 all-purpose yards and had 21 interceptions. His 35-yard interception return for a touchdown helped Chicago to a 73-0 victory over the Washington Redskins in the 1940 NFL championship.

Eagles-Patriots: Veteran wide receiver Greg Lewis was traded by Philadelphia to New England for a draft pick yesterday, giving the Patriots some added depth and the Eagles another chance to stockpile prospects. The Eagles received a fifth-round pick from the Patriots, who also get Philadelphia's seventh-round pick in 2010.

Bills: Buffalo running back Marshawn Lynch pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor gun charge yesterday in Los Angeles and was sentenced to community service and probation. Defense attorney M. Gerald Schwartzbach entered the plea for the 22-year-old Lynch, who was not present.

Broncos: Denver, the most active team throughout free agency, agreed to a deal with backup quarterback Chris Simms yesterday. Simms, who played in one game for the Tennessee Titans last season, will likely step in for Patrick Ramsey, who served as Jay Cutler's backup.

Browns: Robert Royal has agreed to a contract with Cleveland, helping fill the void left by the departure of Pro Bowl tight end Kellen Winslow. Terms of the contract were not disclosed. Royal caught 33 passes for 351 yards and one touchdown last season for the Buffalo Bills. He was drafted in 2002 by the Washington Redskins and is known primarily for his blocking.

Chiefs: Kansas City agreed to terms with wide receiver C.J. Jones, who spent time last season with the New England Patriots. Terms of the deal were not announced yesterday.

Ravens: Baltimore signed free-agent center Matt Birk, a six-time Pro Bowler, to a three-year, $12 million contract with Baltimore. The former Minnesota Viking will get $6 million guaranteed with a total of $9 million paid out the first two years.

Saints: New Orleans signed free-agent fullback Heath Evans, who played the last two seasons with the New England Patriots, to a two-year contract yesterday and released fullback Mike Karney.