Former Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins participates in drills during training camp at Paul Brown Stadium. Jeff Dean/The Enquirer via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Bengals release Pro Bowl defensive tackle Geno Atkins

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 3/19/21

The Cincinnati Bengals parted ways with a franchise icon on Friday.

According to Tyler Dragon of the Cincinnati Enquirer, the Bengals are releasing defensive tackle Geno Atkins. The move will save Cincinnati $9.5 million against the 2021 salary cap.

Geno Atkins' release saves the #Bengals $9.5 million. https://t.co/xdxqpdawn1
— Tyler Dragon (@TheTylerDragon) March 19, 2021

Atkins' release comes as several teams across the NFL continue to cut players in an attempt to get under the 2021 salary cap. The 32-year-old played in just eight games last season due to a shoulder injury.

Atkins did play every game in 2019, though, registering 4.5 sacks, 47 tackles and 10 quarterback hits. He has played 161 games for the Bengals and is an eight-time Pro Bowler.

Atkins joins Andy Dalton, Carlos Dunlap and A.J. Green as core players who have now left the team. Dalton left prior to the 2020 season, signing a deal with the Dallas Cowboys. Dunlap was traded to the Seattle Seahawks last year and Green signed a deal with the Arizona Cardinals this offseason.

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