"Linebacker Karlos Dansby said Saturday that players were shocked by the news of Channing Crowder's release, but coach Tony Sparano said the move was made because his replacement, Kevin Burnett, gives the team more "flexibility" and can be used in more situations.

"This is a guy that can play all three downs and runs really well," Sparano said. "He can cover some of the bigger tight ends and bigger backs in our league. So I think a lot of him."

Burnett played four seasons for the Cowboys — including three when Sparano and general manager Jeff Ireland worked there. He spent the past two with San Diego.

Ireland informed Crowder that he was being released Friday, and Sparano spoke with him afterward. "It was one of the toughest things I ever had to do," Sparano said. "He's a tremendous pro. He handled it well. Really hard decision. The guy has been a pretty special player to me, a tremendous pro for me, since I've been here. But we just had to do it."

Crowder was surprised but said, "If you can cut [ Zach Thomas, Junior Seau and Jason Taylor], you can definitely cut me. You can't rank 32 linebackers who are better than me. I'm not done yet. I fell in love with the fans down here.""