Garrett has 'love' for Bryant despite criticism; Witten denies influencing release

Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett seemed unaffected Tuesday by the parting shot from Dez Bryant, who blamed his release four days earlier on a group of players he labeled "Garrett guys."

"It's a challenging situation. A lot of different factors go into these kind of decisions," Garrett told The Dallas Morning News' Jon Machota of the Bryant release. "The guidepost for all this is what's in the best interest of the Dallas Cowboys. We wish Dez nothing but the best going forward. He's a special guy. I love him."

Based on the comments Bryant made after his contract was terminated by Dallas, Garrett's love for the three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver seems unrequited. Bryant, who clashed with Garrett a number of times over the last eight years, said after he was cut that the Cowboys' front office was influenced by certain team captains.

Related - Cowboys COO responds to Dez: No such thing as 'Garrett guys'

Though he wouldn't identify anyone by name, many speculated he was referring to longtime tight end Jason Witten.

"Friday was an emotional day for all of us," Witten said. "I don't know what all that (Garrett guy talk) is about. ... There's really nothing there."

Witten added that there's no split within the Cowboys' locker room.

"My job and everybody else's is to go play and try to lead the best we can by example," he said. "There's nothing to that."

Bryant finished his Cowboys career as the franchise's all-time leader in receiving touchdowns. He posted 838 yards and six touchdowns receiving in 16 games last year.