Titans grant Rishard Matthews his release

The Tennessee Titans released wide receiver Rishard Matthews on Thursday after the seven-year veteran requested his walking papers.

"He reached out to me Monday and asked to be released or traded," general manager Jon Robinson told reporters Thursday. "We explored the trade option with several teams and I would say that market never really manifested itself to get a deal."

Matthews led the Titans with 945 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in 2016. He was effective again last year, posting 745 yards and four touchdowns while helping Tennessee reach the playoffs.

The 28-year-old saw his playing time slashed early this season, however, and managed just three receptions for 11 yards on six targets through the first three games.

Matthews said he wanted out of Tennessee because of his reduced role. He signed a one-year contract extension with the Titans in August.

Matthews spent four seasons with the Miami Dolphins before joining the Titans in 2016. He was the Dolphins' seventh-round pick out of Nevada in 2012.