Another long-time Bengal is exiting the building.
The Cincinnati Bengals have released running back Giovani Bernard, the team announced on Wednesday.
According to NFL Network, Bernard asked to be released and the club granted him his wish. The Bengals had asked the running back to take a pay cut in March. Shortly after the pay cut request, teams began to inquire about Bernard’s availability.
Now Bernard has free rein to decide where he wants to play next. He is expected to receive interest from multiple teams. The 29-year-old veteran is still viewed as a valuable change-of-pace running back around the NFL.
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The nine-year running back has logged 3,697 rushing yards, which ranks seventh in Bengals history. He also has 22 rushing touchdowns all in a Bengals uniform.
Through the air, his 342 career catches are the most by a running back in Bengals history, and his 2,867 receiving yards are second-most.
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Bernard was drafted by the Bengals in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft out of North Carolina. He's played in 115 career games all in Cincinnati.
Bernard joins Andy Dalton, Carlos Dunlap, A.J. Green and Geno Atkins in a long line of veterans who have parted ways with the team via release or trade
The release of Bernard gives the Bengals a cap savings of $4.1 million.
