The Cincinnati Bengals are releasing defensive tackle Geno Atkins. Atkins has played with the Bengals from 2010-2020. Now, Cincinnati is releasing Atkins, who they selected out of the University of Georgia in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL draft.
Atkins has 75.5 career sacks and is one of the top pass rushing defensive tackles in the NFL. In 2020, Atkins struggled with a shoulder injury and recorded one tackle across eight appearances. On Dec. 16, Geno Atkins underwent season-ending shoulder surgery to repair his labrum tear, which he suffered in training camp.
The Cincinnati Bengals will miss Atkins, who is an eight-time Pro Bowl player, and has been a staple along Cincinnati’s defensive front for years. Atkins’ release saves the Bengals at least $9.5 million in cap space.
The Athletics’ Paul Dehner Jr. reported Atkins’ release via his Twitter account:
Zac Taylor says #Bengals are releasing Geno Atkins.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) March 19, 2021
It is the end of an era for the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals are moving on from both A.J. Green and Geno Atkins this offseason. Cincinnati has relied on several former Georgia Bulldogs in recent seasons, but that may no longer be the case. We’ll provide updates on Atkins, who should have a considerable amount of interest on the free agent market.
The defensive tackle from Pembroke Pines, Florida, is well regarded via PFF’s grading system.
Correction** this is Atkins’ career grade among DI not just 2020 🤦♂️ pic.twitter.com/IZt8ZysxfV
— PFF (@PFF) March 19, 2021
