CINCINNATI -- The Bengals released outside linebacker James Harrison on Thursday, making him the second player Cincinnati has cut this week.
The team confirmed his release not long after the 11-year linebacker tweeted a 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
The 2008 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Harrison spent just one season with the Bengals after playing 10 with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He signed with Cincinnati in April after being cut by Pittsburgh and made only 30 tackles as a Bengal.
"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."
Harrison's agent, Bill Parise, said his client intends to play in 2014.
The Bengals cut center Kyle Cook on Tuesday. Both moves were relatively unexpected.
Information from ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter was used in this report.
