Marvin Lewis: Releasing Danieal Manning was "very difficult" decision

The Cincinnati Bengals signed former Chicago Bears and Houston Texans safety Danieal Manning on April 3, 2014. Playing 157 snaps on defense during all four preseason games, Manning only allowed three completions (on six targets) during the preseason and 21 yards passing while also recording an interception and an opposing passer rating of 18.8. According to Pro Football Focus, Manning submitted the third-best overall score on Cincinnati's defense.

Yet when final cuts came around, Manning, who had recovered from a broken leg, was released by the team.

Speaking with Houston's media previewing Sunday's game between the Bengals and Texans, Lewis reflected on the release and called the transaction "very difficult".

#Bengals' Marvin Lewis said it was a "very difficult" decision to cut Danieal Manning before regular season. Knew someone would add him.

— Brian T. Smith (@ChronBrianSmith) November 19, 2014

Manning, who returned to Houston two days after the Bengals released him, has played 10 games and started two, including last week against the Cleveland Browns. The former second-rounder from the '06 NFL draft has allowed eight completions (out of 14 targets) for 47 yards and an opposing quarterback rating of 63.7.