Bengals to Release Rudi Johnson, Hopefully Find a Wide Receiver

The Bengals had made it clear that they were looking to trade Rudi Johnson in exchange for a wide receiver. Well, it's trim-the-roster day across the league and with nobody interested in making a deal, Cincinnati has instead opted to release Johnson. The running back pegged to replace Corey Dillon following an impressive 2003 season will now be out of a job, at least for the time being. Johnson had battled injuries in recent seasons, and it kept him out practice for most of this preseason.

Ironically, the Bengals will start the year with Chris Perry as their No. 1 back, a 2004 first-round pick who has started a whopping three games in four years. Kenny Watson and DeDe Dorsey fill out the depth chart, although I suspect we'll see plenty of them, what with Perry's injury history and Watson's success in limited playing time.

Meanwhile, Johnson will be anxiously waiting for another chance.

"We want to keep this positive," said Schaffer, who negotiated a five-year deal for Johnson that had two years left. "Obviously we got wind they were moving in a different direction when (ESPN) reported they were trying to trade him. We think Rudi's got plenty of football left and we're going to look for the best situation for him."

I'd agree with that last point. Shaun Alexander and Travis Henry are still looking for work, and I'd like to think Johnson is definitely a better option than either of them. That said, there will be plenty of guys looking for work today, so it'll be a buyer's market. Which could be bad for Johnson, but maybe it'll mean the Bengals can finally find a backup receiver that isn't a disappointment.

NFL Cutdown Day

The Bengals finally tired of Rudi Johnson's endless bouts with injuries and they cut the star running back. Check out some of the other big names who are out of a job on NFL cutdown day.

Being the NFL's leading rusher in the preseason apparently doesn't count for much. That is the lesson learned by Marcus Mason, who failed to crack Washington's deep backfield. FanHouse Coverage

Al Pereira, Getty Images

Johnson wasn't Cincinnati's only surprising cut. Long-time offensive tackle Willie Anderson also got the axe, presumably because he wouldn't take a pay cut. FanHouse Coverage

Joe Robbins, Getty Images

The Texans lured former Patriots star Rosevelt Colvin to the Lone Star State. He didn't last long, however, as Houston decided he wouldn't add much to its pass rush.

Paul Spinelli, Getty Images

Ashley Lelie has tons of speed, but the 49ers are the latest team to realize that that doesn't mean he's a good receiver. San Francisco kept five other wideouts and dumped the former first-round choice.

Tom Hauck, Getty Images

Former No. 1 overall pick David Carr survived the cut in New York. Surprisingly, the Giants dropped two other QBs, leaving the champs with just two signal-callers on their roster. FanHouse Coverage

Evan Pinkus, Getty Images

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

8-30-2008 @ 4:44PM

Mr.G said...

Really now,can this team possibly get any more stupid?

9-01-2008 @ 12:18AM

toddpugz said...

the answer to your question would be a big, fat , lit-up-like-a- Christmas tree :NO

8-30-2008 @ 9:27PM

Steve said...

About time for the Bengals. A mediocre player who profited from a wide open pass offense. I thought they shouldn't have signed him to the last contract. He was pitiful even when not injured.

8-31-2008 @ 7:40AM

Tracey Mattingly said...

I can't see this being any worse than the Bengals resigning Chris Henry or keeping Chad Johnson

8-31-2008 @ 7:43AM

Mary said...

They cut him & sign thay convict Cris Henry to a contract,
Stupid BUNGLERS.

8-31-2008 @ 11:27AM

Angela said...

I cannot believe that they did this to my guy! Just because of an injury they cut him, and put Perry in (Who is also prone to injury) Atleast keep Rudy as a backup just in case! But I'm still a fan soooo....