Bengals grant Brandon LaFell his release

The Cincinnati Bengals released veteran wide receiver Brandon LaFell on Thursday after he asked the organization to make him a free agent.

"We have been lobbying for his release for some time now and appreciate the Bengals granting our request," his agent, Jonathan Feinsod, told Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.

LaFell spent two seasons in Cincy, tallying 52 receptions for 548 yards and three touchdowns last year. Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said earlier in the week that the 31-year-old LaFell was "feeling the heat" from the team's other receivers pushing for a roster spot.

LaFell, a veteran of eight NFL seasons, posted his best statistical output in 2014, with 74 catches for 953 yards and seven touchdowns as a member of the New England Patriots.