The Chris Perry era in Cincinnati ended on Monday, April 27, when the Bengals unceremoniously released him in a cost-cutting move.
Perry's base salary for 2009 was $1 million and the club wasn't going to pay that much to a backup tailback.
The Bengals also terminated the contracts of safety Mike Doss and tight end Nate Lawrie. All three become unrestricted free agents. The club also waived linebacker Eric Henderson and tailback Gary Russell.
Perry, a first-round draft choice in 2004, never showed the production or durability that marked his University of Michigan career.
Injuries limited him to 35 games with nine starts in five turbulent seasons with the Bengals . His career statistics include 177 rushes for 606 yards (3.4) and two touchdowns, and 83 catches for 474 yards (5.7) and two TDs.
A devastating sports hernia ruined Perry's rookie year, and the fractured ankle he suffered at Cleveland in 2006 caused him to miss the 2007 season.
He won the starting tailback job during training camp in 2008, but a series of fumbles led to his benching after six starts.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com
