Cardinals release Daryl Washington after reinstatement from 2014 ban

The Arizona Cardinals have released linebacker Daryl Washington, who was conditionally reinstated April 25 from an indefinite suspension after three seasons out of the NFL, the team announced Thursday.

"After meeting with Daryl Washington, we have collectively decided it is best to release Daryl and give him the opportunity to continue his career elsewhere," the Cardinals wrote in a statement.

The Cardinals said they wanted to meet with Washington before making a decision, but it was always unlikely he'd be brought back after such a lengthy absence, especially after Arizona drafted Haason Reddick in the first round.

While Washington hasn't played since the 2013 season, he was considered one of the game's top young linebackers prior to his suspension. He was named to the second-team All-Pro and the Pro Bowl in 2012.

The 30-year-old immediately becomes one of the most intriguing free agents on the open market, though teams will likely wait to see if the NFL grants him full reinstatement, which the league said will be determined "later in the season."