CINCINNATI (May 3, 2005) -- The Cincinnati Bengals terminated the contract of linebacker Kevin Hardy.
Hardy spent two of his nine NFL seasons with the Bengals. He led the team in tackles with 124 in 2003, and started 14 games last season.
"Kevin's leadership abilities and his professionalism have been a huge asset to me and our football team, and this was a difficult decision to make," head coach Marvin Lewis said. "However, for Kevin's ability to gain an opportunity with another team, this is the best timing."
The Bengals have loaded up on linebackers in the past two drafts, and used their first two picks this year on Georgia teammates David Pollack and Odell Thurman.
Hardy was Jacksonville's first-round pick in 1996 and spent six years with the Jaguars. He was with Dallas in 2002, and signed with the Bengals as an unrestricted free agent in 2003.
He had his best season in 1998, when he was credited with 100 solo tackles and 89 assists.
