CINCINNATI (AP) -Linebacker Brian Simmons was released Wednesday by the Cincinnati Bengals, a surprising move by a team trying to improve one of the NFL's worst defenses while emphasizing character in the locker room.

Simmons, 31, has spent his entire nine-year career with the Bengals, who made him a first-round draft pick in 1998. He had two years left on his contract for $7 million.

Coach Marvin Lewis said the decision came down to the money.

``This was not an easy decision to make,'' he said in a statement. ``Brian has been a fine player on the field, and he has been a great example to all of our players as a team leader and a citizen.

``But a new NFL year is about to begin with the start of free agency, and this allows us to best position our team under the salary cap to move forward for 2007. It will afford us options for signing other players who are a better overall fit, given the strengths and needs of our current roster.''

The Bengals didn't attempt to renegotiate Simmons' contract, agent Jerrold Colton said.

``It is somewhat of a surprise,'' Colton said. ``Brian has been a very important, long-standing part of the Cincinnati Bengals and is still performing at a top level.''

The defense has been the Bengals' biggest shortcoming during Lewis' four seasons, but Simmons has been one of their most dependable and versatile linebackers. He led the team in tackles in 1999 and finished second six times.

He missed five games last season because of a strained neck, but finished fourth on the team in tackles. He played both middle and outside linebacker, helping the team get through the loss of middle linebacker Odell Thurman.

Thurman, one of nine Bengals arrested in a nine-month span, was suspended for all of last season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. He has yet to be reinstated by the league.

Last week, Thurman pleaded no contest to a drunken driving charge and said he was undergoing treatment for alcohol abuse.

Colton recently got an indication from the Bengals that they were considering letting Simmons go.

``When I spoke to them recently, there was hesitation,'' Colton said. ``I didn't necessarily get a firm commitment.''

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