Key cut for more than just roster space and bonuses...

Originally posted by TrickBlue from a sport forum:

According to Mickey this morning, what we do know for sure is that Key was cut for money issues, and it wasn't bonus related. Attempting to sign TO could also be a factor, but let's take a different look at this situation.

Key was due a one million dollar bonus as of this morning with his current contract. The Cowboys felt that the bonus money would give him leverage for demanding more money. Key has made no bones about the fact that he wants more money, and the Cowboys felt that they could be held captive by Key for a couple of reasons. By receiving his one year bonus, Key would still be under contract to the team. He could then demand more money and use possible retirement as a threat. The Cowboys would be stuck with his contract against the cap if he followed through with the threat, and worse, a depleted WR corp.

At that point the Cowboys could feel backed against the wall and pay him MORE than his market value in order to keep him. By Jerry telling him to find out what he is worth and then coming back and giving us a chance to sign him, he avoids holdouts or bad blood.