QB Hutchinson to be released

The experiment with QB Chad Hutchinson appears to be over.

Cowboys officials have informed Scott Boras, Hutchinson's agent, that the team will be releasing the former quarterback-turned-baseball-player-turned-quarterback before the start of training camp.

Hutchinson was sent to NFL Europe to hone his skills. Head coach Bill Parcells openly stated that if he could not perform in NFL Europe he would not be able to perform in the NFL.

After a solid start, Hutchinson reverted into his actions of the past, holding onto the ball too long, taking sacks and the dreaded fumblitis. While his final numbers seem respectable (126 fo 207), he passed for only 1,356 yards (6.5 yard average), had 5 touchdowns, 4 interceptions and was sacked 25 times.

And with the Cowboys signing veteran Vinny Testaverde and trading for Drew Henson, the writing was on the wall.

Hutchinson understands why the release is coming, but is upset that the Cowboys waited so long to pull the trigger. At this point, it is more difficult for him to catch on with another team.

"No offense to Vinny Testaverde, but he's 40 years old," Hutchinson told the Dallas Morning News. "And no offense to Drew Henson, but that's me two years ago. To me, that's just a slap in the face. That's disappointing. The proper way to handle things was to let me go at the end of the [2003] season."

Once released, Hutchinson will have to pass through waivers, and if he is not claimed, he can sign with any team. The move means the Cowboys will take a hit of nearly $900,000 against the salary cap this year and another $1.5 million in 2005.

After spending four years as a pitcher in the St. Louis Cardinals organization, Hutchinson signed a seven-year contract with Dallas in 2002.