The Bengals have released Giovani Bernard, per a club announcement. The move will save the team $4.1MM against the 2021 salary cap. 
Bernard, 30 in November, still profiles as one of the league’s best pass-catching tailbacks. Last year, he managed 47 catches for 355 yards and three receiving touchdowns — his best line since 2017. Since 2013, Bernard has reeled in 342 grabs for 2,867 yards, good for an 8.4 yards per catch average.
Last year, Bernard saw more carries than expected while Joe Mixon was injured, but he wasn’t all that productive on the ground, gaining 416 yards on 124 carries. Bernard’s always been better known for his receiving abilities, but his 3.4 yards per tote average was well below his career average of 4.0 yards.
The Bengals recently re-upped Samaje Perine, a sign that Bernard would be pushed out of the picture. The veteran was aware of that too — he actually requested his release so that he could hook on elsewhere, according to a source who spoke with Mike Garafolo of NFL.com on Twitter).
Bernard was set to enter his final year under contract with $3.7MM in base salary and a $4.76MM cap hit. The Bengals will save $4.1MM of that sum with $667K in dead money.
Best of luck, Gio!
This is likely a precursor to another pending move for the salary cap. If so , hopefully Oline or Edge.
Gio will have a home by the weekend. Class guy and one heck of a ball player. Whoever gets him is getting a good one. On the surface, I’d say Denver, Pittsburgh or Giants could surface as suitors.
And the best mustache in all the land
You know it makes Burt Reynolds proud
He’s been good against PGH. I could see them being interested if the price is low.
Nah, the Bengals already had plenty of cap space. It’s just Mikey Brown saving more money.
I know Jets have Tevin Coleman and LaMichael Perine, but I could see them taking a look at Gio Bernard.
Possibly , but Coleman and Bernard are similar types of backs. I like Perine if they give him a shot.
He a does na looka Italiano !!
“lewd, lascivious, salacious, outrageous!” – Jackie Chiles
They’re real….and they’re spectacular!
Class act here. He will be signed in no time. Solid team player here.
I saw this coming, but I still hate it..somebody is going to get a great pick-up in the next day or two!