Giovani Bernard released by Bengals; third-down running back makes sense for Chiefs, Packers, Cardinals, Rams, Eagles

Running back Giovani Bernard's time on the Cincinnati Bengals essentially was up last month when the team asked him to take a pay cut two weeks into free agency. Bernard said no thanks, and the Bengals tried to trade him. Alas, they couldn't find a taker for Bernard's $4.1 million salary so the 29-year-old was released Wednesday, but he shouldn't have trouble finding a team – especially one that needs a third-down receiving back.

Cincinnati didn't "need" Bernard, who was in the final year of his contract, as it has a terrific running back in Joe Mixon, although Mixon has had trouble staying healthy so the team is likely to select a tailback at some point in this month's draft as Mixon insurance even after re-signing Samaje Perine to a two-year deal. Bengals beat writers expect a running back to be targeted early in Day 3 of the draft, so perhaps Round 4.  This move frees up $4.1 million of cap space, giving the Bengals around $27 million of room.

Bernard, a 2013 second-round pick, played all 16 games last season and started 10, rushing for 416 yards and three scores on 124 carries – 3.4 yards per carry, which isn't good. However, he caught 47 passes for 355 yards and three scores. Bernard's 342 career receptions are the most by a running back in Bengals history, and his 2,867 receiving yards are second-most. Bernard accumulated 6,564 career scrimmage yards and 33 touchdowns during his Cincinnati career.

Five teams immediately come to mind in needing a third-down back: Kansas City (hasn't re-signed Le'Veon Bell); Green Bay (lost Jamaal Williams in free agency); Arizona (lost Kenyan Drake in free agency); the Los Angeles Rams (lost Malcolm Brown in free agency); and Philadelphia – new Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni had a lot of success in Indianapolis with a Bernard-type back in Nyheim Hines, and Bernard worked with new Philly running backs coach/assistant head coach Jemal Singleton the past two seasons in Cincinnati.

All but the Eagles should be Super Bowl 56 contenders and Bernard may prefer to sign with a contender at this point in his career. 

Looking for the best picks against the spread, sharp action on the total and props you can take to the window? Join Jonathan Coachman on the Early Edge as he speaks with SportsLine's top handicappers to preview every day's biggest games. We promise to keep it short, sweet and to put some green in your pocket. Early Edge is under 10 minutes and in your feed every single day by 11 AM ET. Download right here or wherever you get your podcasts.