The Roosters ended Sam Walker's contract-extension negotiations on Monday, withdrawing their offer in a late-night announcement after talks stalled over money.
The proposed three-year deal was reportedly worth $4.2 million.
Walker has a season remaining on his contract, but the Roosters will not prevent him from joining another club next season.
Daly Cherry-Evans and Walker recently formed the halves pairing that guided the Roosters to premiership glory. The club could start the 2027 season with a different combination.
Asked whether Walker's situation saddened him, Cherry-Evans replied, "Maybe I'm a little too emotionless with these things but not really,"
"It's the game, it's the business.
"I really admire the way that the Roosters have stood their ground on what they believe to be right for the club. That's one thing that has really shone through in my time here is that they will put the club first over any one individual.
"Then from my point of view on Sam, Sam's doing what's best for him, his family, and his future. That's the thing within all of this, no one's actually done anything wrong.