Bengals release James Harrison

After one season in Cincinnati, James Harrison is out. Harrison posted a tweet saying goodbye to Cincinnati on Thursday, which was shortly followed by the confirmation from the Bengals that he had been cut.

Many thanks to all the @Bengals fans for your support over the last year - I had a great time in Cincinnati.

— James Harrison (@jharrison9292) March 13, 2014

Harrison turns 36 in June this year and coming off a season where he totaled two sacks in 15 games, the production has dropped while the age has increased. Sometimes, when this is the case, veterans decided to retire, but that’s not Harrison. According to his agent Bill Parise, Harrison does intend on playing in the 2014 season.

The 2008 Defensive Player Of the Year was set to make $1.1 million with $250,000 in-game bonus as well, but did not fit the plans of the Bengals wanting to get younger.

“It was great for our coaches, players and fans to have James on our team last year. He’s a player everyone looks up to because of his ability, his accomplishments and his drive to be the best. He helped us win a division title with his play and with the example he set.

“It’s time for us to go a different direction now, with some younger guys, but we will all still reap benefits from having had James with us as a Bengal last year.”-Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis

Follow Mike Pendleton on Twitter @MP2310

Facebook.com/FullScaleSports Twitter:@FullScaleSport

Photo credit: (John Grieshop/Getty Images)

Related Posts

• Jorge De La Rosa named Opening Day starter for Rockies
• Brian Hoyer recruiting Julian Edelman to Browns
• Eagles acquire Darren Sproles from Saints