CINCINNATI — The Bengals released receiver Laveranues Coles on Thursday, exactly one year after they signed him to a four-year deal hoping he could replace T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

Coles had only 43 catches for 514 yards and a touchdown last season, when the Bengals’ passing game was a big disappointment. The Bengals hoped that Coles could take over for Houshmandzadeh, their primary third-down receiver who left for Seattle.
Coles never settled into the offense, having two or fewer catches in nine regular season games. Getting another wide receiver and at least one tight end is Cincinnati’s offseason priority.