Bengals release injury-plagued Bryant
The Cincinnati Bengals made a pricey cut as they released wide receiver Antonio Bryant just months after signing him to a four-year contract. Bryant had not worked out in full pads all of training camp due to loose cartilage in his left knee. Bryant had surgery last season and missed most of his final season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bengals chose to sign Bryant over Terrell Owens in March thinking he’d be their long-term receiver alongside Chad Ochocinco.
The Bengals went out hours before training camp and signed T.O to a one-year deal presumably because they were worried Bryant wasn’t panning out. Owens has had a strong preseason and seems to be fitting in well with Carson Palmer and the offence, convincing the front office that Owens and Ochocinco can make a good tandem.
The release of Bryant comes at a price as Bryant was under a four-year deal worth $28 million. The team had already paid Bryant $8 million as was the guaranteed money in his deal. The Bengals were convinced that Bryant’s knee would be fine but it had been bothering him all summer. Bryant said the muscles around the knee were not strong enough to let him cut at full speed yet.
Without Bryant, the Bengals lose a tough receiver who would’ve added a lot of depth to the team. Bryant was convinced he was close to returning but the Bengals felt they couldn’t wait any longer.
Quarterback Carson Palmer was sad to see Bryant go as he felt they never had a chance to build chemistry together.
"I'm really sorry it didn't work out. He has been working so hard to get back on the field. I have no doubt he'll work to get healthy and will be making plays for some team soon."
There is no word now on which team would now be interested in Bryant. First he’ll have to get healthy to receive some offers. At 29-years-old he likely won’t get another long-term contract offer but may find a job soon as injuries will occur and roster spots will have to be filled.
With Bryant gone, you could set it in stone that it will indeed be “Batman and Robin” (Owens and Ochocinco) leading the way in Cincinnati.
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