One day before the start of the NFL draft, the Cincinnati Bengals released backup linebacker L.J. Fort on Wednesday.

A product of Northern Iowa, Fort was waived after spending the last five games of the 2014 season on the practice squad, and getting added to the offseason roster in January.

Fort will be in his second official season in 2015. In addition to the stint in Cincinnati, he spent time with Cleveland and Seattle. He has played in 17 games throughout his career. All of them came with the Browns or Seahawks.

The move appears a sign the Bengals are opening space in the linebacker room for a player to be drafted into it this weekend. The Bengals need pass-rushing help, as their NFL-low 20 sacks in 2014 proved. While Michael Johnson's addition during free agency provided a welcomed boost, the Bengals still can't go wrong with getting help either from new rush defensive ends or outside linebackers.

It's possible the Bengals add an outside linebacker in the draft's first round, with Kentucky product Bud Dupree among potential targets at No. 21. Although he played wit his hand on the ground as an end in college, Dupree would be viewed as an outside 'backer and third-down rush specialist for the Bengals. That versatility could serve them well.

Cincinnati also has questions about Vontaze Burfict's return from microfracture surgery, and also needs a linebacker who can back up Emmanuel Lamur as a cover 'backer. Injuries to both players last season stepped up the urgency for taking a player at the position in this draft.

Fort's release seems a clear indication that at some point this weekend, that will happen.