The Cincinnati Bengals released a star defensive player on Wednesday. the Bengals needed to stay under the cap after they applied the franchise tag to Tee Higgins.
The Bengals must also consider what to do with star wide receiver JaMarr Chase, who deserves a major contract extension after an incredible 2024.
The Cincinnati Bengals released a star DE
Per Ari Meriov of the 33rd team, the Bengals released veteran defensive end Sam Hubbard in a move to clear $9.5 million in cap space.
“The Bengals are releasing DE and fan-favorite Sam Hubbard after seven seasons, saving $9.5M in cap space,” Meriov posted on X. “Hubbard was born in Cincinnati, played high school football in Cincinnati, played collegiately at Ohio State, and has spent his entire NFL career in Cincinnati.”
The #Bengals are releasing DE and fan-favorite Sam Hubbard after seven seasons, saving $9.5M in cap space.
Hubbard was born in Cincinnati, played high school football in Cincinnati, played collegiately at Ohio State, and has spent his entire NFL career in Cincinnati. pic.twitter.com/sYCs7Jzoh8
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 5, 2025
Sam Hubbard is retiring from the league
Moments later, Hubbard posted on X that he was retiring from the league at 29.
“In my heart, I know that I gave this game, this team, and this city everything that I had.,” Hubbard wrote. “That is why today, with great pride, l am announcing that I am moving on from my playing career in the NFL and entering the next chapter of my life. As a kid growing up in Southwest Ohio, Cincinnati has always been, and will always be, home to my family and me.
I bled orange and black before I ever put on a Bengals jersey. The journey that took me from a high school lacrosse player up 71-North to become a defensive end at The Ohio State University and back home again as a Bengals third-round pick in 2018, is something for which I am grateful for every day.”
Hubbard wants to explore business opportunities
Hubbard plans to explore business opportunities as he transitions away from life in the league.
“Although it is the end of my playing career, I view this as a new beginning. A new chapter to explore other business opportunities, further the mission of The Sam Hubbard Foundation, focus on my health and family
and also take on new challenges,” Hubbard wrote before thanking members of the Bengals and fans.
“I want to send a sincere thank you to my teammates, coaches, trainers, support staff, Bengals ownership, and the NFL for everything you all have done for me. I could not have done any of this alone. To the fans-Who Dey Nation- I thank you the most; you inspired me. From the years of struggle and adversity to Super Bowl LVI, you never stopped believing. I hope I made you proud.”
The Bengals posted a tribute video for Hubbard on their X account.
To: The Cincinnati Kid 🧡
Thank you, @Sam_Hubbard_ pic.twitter.com/vBfPvUeVR3
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) March 5, 2025
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