Packers' Shields says he's been released

Sam Shields announced Wednesday on Instagram that the Green Bay Packers have released him after seven seasons with the team.

The cornerback was on placed on injured reserve in Week 1 after sustaining the fifth concussion of his career and was unable to return for the rest of the year.

Shields was also charged with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia in January.

Despite his issues with head injuries, Shields doesn't intend to retire, a source told ESPN's Rob Demovsky.

The Packers save over $8.5 million in cap space by moving on from Shields, who had one year remaining on his four-year deal.

Green Bay's secondary was its glaring weakness throughout the season without Shields and was exposed during the NFC Championship Game blowout loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

The Packers will likely make solidifying the cornerback position their No. 1 priority this season, in both the draft and free agency.