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Clinton Portis released by Redskins

March 2, 2011 / 2:02 PM EST / CBS/AP

This Sept. 12, 2010, file photo shows Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis. File,AP Photo/Rob Carr

(CBS/AP) After days of speculation, Clinton Portis has been released by the Washington Redskins.

The Redskins cut ties with Portis on Monday, ending his seven seasons in the nation's capital.

Portis is coming off back-to-back seasons cut short by injuries and was scheduled to $8.3 million next season.

Coach Mike Shanahan said Friday at the NFL combine he would not keep Portis at that salary.

Portis told 106.7 The Fan that he was given the chance to restructure his deal, but he felt it was better if he moved on.

Portis, who will turn 30 before next season, is 77 yards shy of 10,000 career rushing yards. He leaves Washington 648 yards shy of Hall of Famer John Riggins' franchise record.

As CBSSports.com's Josh Katzowitz noted, Portis had a good run in Washington, gaining at least 1,250 rushing yards in four of his first five seasons with the Redskins. But he's missed 19 games the past two years, and after playing in only five contests before suffering a groin injury this season, backup RB Ryan Torain played well in his absence.

"Clinton provided excitement from the very first time he touched the ball as a Redskin and we were lucky to witness every ounce of energy, effort and passion he has given ever since," Redskins owner Daniel M. Snyder said in a statement. "We have been through a lot both on and off of the field and we would like to wish him and his family the very best. He will always be a Redskin and go down as one of the franchise's all-time greats."

For his part, Portis did not seem bitter about the move but he admitted his tenure in D.C. brought newfound pressure.

"I would like to thank the organization. Dan [Snyder] and Mike [Shanahan] were honest, straight-up people with me. I always appreciated the opportunity from Dan to play here," Portis said in a statement. "Being a Redskin was a special part of my life. Coming and being in that organization, I turned from a kid having fun to a man carrying responsibilities. I tried to put the world on my shoulders for Coach Gibbs and the Redskins fans."