CINCINNATI (Aug. 30, 2005) -- Peter Warrick was released by the Cincinnati Bengals, who have depth at receiver and had run out of patience with the former No. 1 draft pick.
The move came a day after the hobbled receiver asked to be released if the Bengals had written him out of their plans.
The fourth overall pick in the 2000 NFL Draft, Warrick arrived in Cincinnati looking to transfer his magic from national champion Florida State to the bumbling Bengals. They have yet to make the playoffs in his five seasons, and Warrick has had only one notable season.
He caught 79 passes for 819 yards in 2003, carried 18 times for 157 yards, scored eight touchdowns and started looking like the shifty playmaker the Bengals thought they were drafting.
A small crack in a bone by the knee limited him to one start last season, four games and 11 catches, his most exasperating year in Cincinnati. He missed the minicamps and the start of training camp while the leg healed.
He played in only one preseason game, carrying once on a reverse -- he gained 2 yards before slipping -- and failing to catch a pass. Then he sat out practices last week because of a tender hamstring.
"There is some disappointment involved in making this move," coach Marvin Lewis said. "But I believe it's in the best interests of the Bengals and Peter to go forward."
Warrick was entering the final year of his contract. He's now free to sign with any team.
Agent Drew Rosenhaus said a few minutes after Warrick's contract was terminated he already had gotten phone calls from other teams.
"There's no question in my mind that he's got a lot of football ahead of him," Rosenhaus said. "Since word's gotten out, we've had a flood of interest. He will be with another team in a couple of days."
The Bengals also waived third-year cornerback Terrell Roberts of Oregon State and guard Kyle Takavitz of Cincinnati.
AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service
Copyright 2005, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved
