Chiefs release Dwayne Bowe

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Wide receiver Dwayne Bowe, the second-leading pass-catcher in Kansas City Chiefs history, was released Thursday by the only team he has played for in his eight-year NFL career.

"On behalf of my family and the entire Chiefs organization, I'd like to thank Dwayne for his contributions over the last eight seasons," chairman Clark Hunt said in a statement. "During his time with the Chiefs, Dwayne established himself as one of the best receivers in club history. We wish Dwayne nothing but the best as he moves forward."

Bowe thanked the Chiefs on Twitter.

Bowe, 30, was a target for release because of his hefty salary-cap figure and declining production. He was scheduled to cost the Chiefs $14 million against their salary cap this year. He hasn't caught more than 60 passes or had more than 801 yards in any of the past three seasons. In 2014, he was held without a touchdown for the first time in his career.

"It's been a pleasure working with Dwayne the past two seasons," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. "He showed up every day with a great attitude and did everything we asked of him. He was a productive player for a number of years here, and I have a lot of respect for what he was able to accomplish."

Bowe's departure seemed imminent after the Chiefs agreed to contract terms with free-agent wide receiver Jeremy Maclin of the Philadelphia Eagles.

"This was a tough decision to make," general manager John Dorsey said. "Dwayne is a team-first guy, and he holds a number of team receiving records. We felt this was in the best interest of the club at this time."

The Chiefs would be happy if Maclin can provide the same kind of production Bowe did early in his career. He topped 1,000 yards three times in his first five seasons and missed the mark by 5 yards a fourth time. He led the NFL with 15 touchdown receptions in 2010.

Bowe finished his Chiefs career with 532 receptions for 7,155 yards and 44 touchdowns. He accomplished this despite playing with a collection of quarterbacks who mostly consisted of journeymen and others who never established themselves in the NFL: Damon Huard, Brodie Croyle, Tyler Thigpen, Matt Cassel, Tyler Palko, Kyle Orton, Brady Quinn, Alex Smith and Chase Daniel.

Of the bunch, only Smith, the Chiefs' current quarterback, and Quinn were first-round draft picks.

Bowe's release saves the Chiefs $5 million against their salary cap.