When Drew Bledsoe threw a costly interception late in the first half of a home game with the Giants last season, few expected it to be his last pass of that game. As it turned out, it was Bledsoe's last pass of the season, and now, the last of his Cowboys career. As expected, the Cowboys officially released the veteran quarterback on Thursday, along with tight end Ryan Hannam and guard E.J. Whitely. By cutting Bledsoe, the Cowboys avoid paying the $1 million roster bonus in the final year Bledsoe's contract, along with his $4.5 million base salary. "I spoke with Drew today and told him that this was primarily a cap decision and that the door was very much open for him being a part of our future," said Cowboys general manager Jerry Jones. "Drew has been a solid leader for our team and a true professional both on and off the field. He has also been a great role model to all of our players through his love of children and his interaction with kids in need. He has been a special contributor to this organization on many levels."