Michael Johnson released from Bengals under final cuts

The move had as much -- or more -- to do with money than it did with performance.

Michael Johnson released from Bengals under final cuts
The 31-year-old pass rusher has registered 365 tackles, 44 sacks, eight forced fumbles and three interceptions during his career. He has spent nine seasons in the NFL, with eight of them in Cincinnati. (Image Credit: Twitter)
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The Cincinnati Bengals released veteran defensive lineman Michael Johnson on Saturday as part of the team's final cuts.

The move had as much -- or more -- to do with money than it did with performance. Johnson had a cap hit of $6.1 million, and the Bengals saved approximately $4 million under the cap by letting him go.

The 31-year-old pass rusher has registered 365 tackles, 44 sacks, eight forced fumbles and three interceptions during his career. He has spent nine seasons in the NFL, with eight of them in Cincinnati. Johnson posted at least five sacks in four separate campaigns with the Bengals.

It is possible that Johnson could return to the Bengals on a reduced salary. If he signs with another team, Cincinnati likely will rely more heavily on Carl Lawson and Jordan Willis to pressure quarterbacks on the other side of defensive end, Carlos Dunlap.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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