Bengals release linebacker Rey Maualuga

The Cincinnati Bengals have parted ways with veteran linebacker Rey Maualuga, the team announced Saturday.

"Rey has been a tough and productive player for us, and a fine teammate, and this is a difficult decision," head coach Marvin Lewis said via a press release. "It's one of several we have made to transition to a younger group at linebacker as we continue to shape our 2017 roster. We wish Rey and his family the very best."

Maualuga, who was selected by the Bengals in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft, played in 114 games with 104 starts over eight seasons. He was a starter on playoff teams in six of his Bengals campaigns.

The release comes one week after the Bengals signed former Cardinals linebacker Kevin Minter to a one-year deal. Minter finished 2016 with 81 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 16 games.