The Cincinnati Bengals have released veteran linebacker Rey Maualuga.

Maualuga, 30, was entering the last season of his contract and was due $3.6 million in salary and bonuses.

"Rey has been a tough and productive player for us, and a fine teammate, and this is a difficult decision," Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said in a statement. "It's one of several we have made to transition to a younger group at linebacker as we continue to shape our 2017 roster."

Maualuga was the Bengals' second-round draft pick in 2009 and has been a longtime fixture in the middle for Cincinnati, starting 104 regular-season games there during his eight-year tenure.