NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Eddie George’s career with the Tennessee Titans is over.

The team granted George’s request Wednesday and released the franchise’s all-time leading rusher – a move forced by salary cap pressures and perhaps George’s declining skills.

“The best thing for Eddie George would be for him to finish his career here,” general manager Floyd Reese said at a news conference. “For a number of reasons we were unable to get that done.”

The eight-year veteran, who turns 31 in September, rejected the Titans’ latest offer and asked for his release Monday so he would have time to catch on with another team before training camps open next week.

The Titans wanted George back, but at a reduced salary. The team’s final offer was $1.5 million in base salary – considerably less than the $4.25 million he expected to make this season.

George, who has never missed a start in his career, was popular with Titans fans, but his production slipped in recent years. In 2000, he ran for 1,509 yards, averaging 3.7 yards per carry. But last season his average fell to 3.3 yards per carry, and his total was 1,031.

The Titans’ offense has also changed and now emphasizes the passing of Steve McNair, the NFL’s co-MVP in 2003.

Reese said there was a disagreement over a $1 million roster bonus the Titans paid George in March. The team considered that part of his salary for this year, but George considered it part of the previous deal.

“How do we replace him? Well, we’re going to have to replace him with more than one guy,” Reese said. “It’s going to be impossible to find one guy to do all the things Eddie did.”

Reese said the team would prefer to sign free agent running back Antowain Smith, who reportedly visited the Titans on Tuesday. Smith, who has averaged 3.9 yards per carry over his seven-year career in New England and Buffalo, has won two Super Bowls with the Patriots.

Titans coach Jeff Fisher said he also expects the Titans’ remaining backs, veteran Robert Holcombe and second-year player Chris Brown, to play a greater role in the offense.

“I think George gave this organization his heart and his soul, and I’ll be forever grateful for that,” Fisher said.

Speculation over George’s future with Tennessee began last season over whether the Titans, in deep salary cap trouble, could afford to keep the running back. Tennessee tried to free up salary cap space in February by reworking George’s deal, which runs through 2006, but he declined.

George has said he wants to play for a team with a chance to win the Super Bowl, specifically mentioning Tampa Bay, Dallas and his hometown of Philadelphia.

Pats release free-agent receiver Walker

FOXBORO, Mass. – The New England Patriots released free-agent wide receiver Marquise Walker on Wednesday.

Walker, signed by the Patriots on February 6, was originally Tampa Bay’s third-round draft pick out of Michigan in 2002. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Walker, who holds the Michigan career record for receptions with 176, also spent time with the Arizona Cardinals and Cincinnati Bengals.

Bills sign Gildon to one-year deal

BUFFALO, N.Y. – The Buffalo Bills signed free agent linebacker Jason Gildon to a one-year deal Wednesday, days after they had reached a verbal agreement.

Gildon, who was going to earn more than $3 million this year with Pittsburgh, was cut by the Steelers in June for salary cap reasons. He was considered one of the top veterans still available on the market.

Financial terms of the contract were not released.

Gildon, who turns 32 on July 31, started for the Steelers since 1996. He was drafted by Pittsburgh in 1994 by Tom Donahoe, the Bills current general manager. Gildon is familiar with Bills coach Mike Mularkey, who worked for the Steelers for the past eight years.

“It always helps to see a familiar face,” Gildon said. “Someone you know just to ease the transition.”

Jeff Posey, London Fletcher and Takeo Spikes already make up the Bills’ linebacker corps. Because of that, Gildon will more than likely be a situational pass rusher, his forte.

Buffalo had the second-best defense in the NFL last year, but ranked ninth in sacks. Gildon has 77 career sacks in his 10-year career and was selected for the Pro Bowl the last three years. His best season was 2000 when he recorded a career-high 13.5 sacks and 87 tackles.

Gildon had narrowed his choices to Buffalo, Green Bay and Cincinnati. He chose Buffalo not only because of his familiarity with Mularkey and Donahoe, but also because he thinks the Bills can make the playoffs this year despite their disappointing 6-10 mark last season.

“I think (we) have the potential to definitely challenge for a championship,” Gildon said.

AP-ES-07-21-04 2016EDT