ESPN is reporting that the Dallas Cowboys will release Marcus Spears.

The Cowboys will designate Spears a post-June 1 cut, which means they will spread out the cap hit over the next two years. He will count $700,000 against the cap this year and $1.4 million against the cap in 2014.

The move gives the Cowboys an additional $2 million in cap space. They now have enough space they could sign a low cost free agent, although there won't be anything happening soon since the money saved would not be available until June 1.

Spears, who played defensive end under the 3-4, was seen as never living up to his first round selection in 2005. In 2012, he only started six of the fifteen games he played in. He is also likely not seen as a good fit for Monte Kiffin's 4-3 scheme, and offers the team a chance to go with younger players on the defensive line like Sean Lissemore and Tyrone Crawford, who were taking some of his snaps during last season. The team also still has Jason Hatcher.

Spears confirmed his release in a tweet:

Fans of Dallas thank u all so much for 8 yrs the good and bad times ill be moving on!! The support has been tremendous! From my family thx U

— marcus spears (@mspear96) March 13, 2013