Chris Yarran has left Richmond without playing a game for his new AFL club.
The Tigers announced on Tuesday they had released the defender from his contract, effective immediately, so he can deal with mental health issues.
The news comes a day after the utility had joined the Tigers at an open training session.
"Chris has found it difficult to meet the demands of AFL football given his personal issues," Tigers football manager Neil Balme said in a club statement.
"Ultimately it was agreed with Chris, and his management, that stepping away from the game is in the best interest of his long-term health and wellbeing."
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Carlton originally recruited Yarran with pick No.6 in the 2006 draft and he played 119 games for the Blues.
At his peak, Yarran became a damaging half-back and finished fourth in Carlton's 2014 best and fairest.
They traded Yarran after last season for pick 19, with the Tigers bullish about what he could add to their defence.
But it soon became clear there were problems, with Yarran lacking fitness when he arrived at Richmond for pre-season training.
He was soon struggling with a calf injury and Yarran stepped away from the game midway through this season to deal with personal issues.
Still, he hired a personal coach and tried to rebuild his fitness over the last few weeks, holding out of hope of playing in the AFL for Richmond.
Yarran also did not play any VFL matches this season.
He trained with Richmond's rehab group a fortnight ago as the Tigers started pre-season training.
"I am extremely grateful for the support Richmond has given me over the past year," Yarran said in the club statement.
"I am deeply disappointed my ongoing health issues have not allowed me to repay the club and its supporters."
It is unclear whether he will eventually try to make a football comeback.
