Bengals release LB Burfict after suspension-filled stint

Cincinnati released linebacker Vontaze Burfict after seven turbulent seasons.

Burfict was repeatedly suspended by the

NFL for egregious hits and for violating its policy on performance-enhancers. Through it all, the Bengals stood solidly behind the linebacker and gave him contract extensions. His significant fall-off in performance last season led them to finally cut ties.

Burfict, 28, was suspended for the first four games last season for violating the NFL’S policy on performance-enhancers, his third straight season with a suspension. A hip injury and concussions limited him to seven games with only 33 tackles, no sacks and no interceptions.

Also, the Bengals signed tight end Tyler Eifert to another one-year contract after he suffered a major injury for the third straight season.

Ngata retires: Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, 35, announced his retirement in an Instagram post from atop Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. He made two All-pro teams and five Pro Bowls in nine seasons with Baltimore after being a first-round draft pick in 2006. He later played for Detroit and Philadelphia.

Eagles: Philadelphia agreed to a one-year contract with safety Andrew Sendejo, who was released by Minnesota earlier this month.

Dolphins: Jacksonville guard-center

Chris Reed signed with Miami, which has lost three offensive linemen since the start of free agency.

Packers: Tight end Marcedes Lewis resigned with Green Bay. The 13-year veteran played in all 16 games for the team last season, but had only three receptions for 39 yards.

Vikings: Running back Ameer Abdullah was re-signed to a one-year contract, solidifying a complement to Dalvin Cook after the departure of Latavius Murray via free agency.