National Football League

Bengals release James Harrison after one season

Published Mar. 13, 2014 3:58 p.m. ET

Ross Jones

The baddest dude in the NFL is unemployed.

The Cincinati Bengals announced they released linebacker James Harrison on Thursday, not long after he tweeted goodbye.

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, who played one season in Cincinnati, was set to make a base salary of $1.1 milion in 2014. Despite five Pro Bowl berths, two All-Pro teams and a 2008 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in his Pittsburgh Steeler days, Harrison posted a mere two sacks and an interception in 15 games last year with the Bengals.

"It was great for our coaches, players and fans to have James on our team last year," Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said. "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."