The Bengals have released offensive guard Travelle Wharton, Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com reported Monday.
Wharton, 32, missed the 2012 season after suffering a torn ACL in his right knee in a preseason game. He was slated to start at left guard before the injury. Third-year pro Clint Boling, who started all 16 games at left guard with Wharton out, appears Cincinnati’s starter at the position for 2013, too.
Wharton was slated to make $2.675 million in 2013, per Rotoworld.com contract data.
Wharton (6-4, 320) has made 99 NFL starts, all with Carolina, with whom he played for 2004 through 2011 before signing with Cincinnati last year. The majority of Wharton’s starts have come at left guard, but he also has a good deal of experience at left tackle. If healthy, he could appeal to clubs looking to strengthen their O-line, and he would rank as one of the best guards available.