WASHINGTON — The Redskins released running back Clinton Portis on Monday, ending a charismatic and sometimes contentious seven-year stay.
Injuries and money led to coach Mike Shanahan’s decision. Portis played in only 13 games over the last two seasons because of a severe concussion in 2009 and a torn groin muscle in 2010.
Portis was scheduled to make $8.3 million next season and Shanahan made it clear at the NFL scouting combine that the Redskins wouldn’t keep the 29-year- old running back at that price.
“We’re going to let him test the market,” Shanahan said, “and see what’s out there for him.”
Portis said he was given a chance to restructure his contract, but he said it would be “hard to accept not being the go-guy.”
Portis is 77 yards of 10,000 career rushing yards and leaves Washington 648 shy of one of his oft-stated goals — Hall of Famer John Riggins’ franchise record.
“In Washington, it’s nothing left me to prove,” said Portis, who rushed for 6,824 yards and 46 touchdowns with the Redskins after being traded from the Broncos for cornerback Champ Bailey. “It’s not about the money for me at this stage in my career. It’s about winning. I hope to help a team win rings.”
Portis played in only five games in 2010 before the groin injury ended his season. He rushed for a career-low 227 yards on 54 carries and scored two touchdowns.
Bears release lineman Harris
LAKE FOREST, Ill. — The Bears released veteran defensive tackle Tommie Harris, cutting loose a three-time Pro Bowl pick who had struggled in recent years because of injuries.
The Bears also released linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer and offensive tackle Kevin Shaffer.
Harris was limited by knee and hamstring problems the past few years and never regained his old disruptive form. He signed a four- year, $40 million contract extension in June 2008 and was locked in through 2012, but the Bears decided to cut him after several ineffective seasons.
Footnotes.
With the collective bargaining agreement set to expire Thursday night, NFL owners and players will resume meeting with a federal mediator today and probably Wednesday.
• A Dallas judge has given fans who found they had no seats at Super Bowl XLV more time to consider the NFL’s offers of compensation. Plaintiffs’ attorney Michael Avenatti said the fans now have 60 days to evaluate their choices.
• The Jets plan on releasing offensive tackle Damien Woody and also will say goodbye to defensive players Jason Taylor, Kris Jenkins and Vernon Gholston, according to Newsday.
• The Jaguars signed quarterback Luke McCown to a one-year contract.
