Browns end brief, nightmare relationship with Garcia

CLEVELAND -- Jeff Garcia didn't even get to celebrate his one-year anniversary with the Cleveland Browns.

Less than 12 months after they signed the three-time Pro Bowler to fix their problems at quarterback, the Browns told Garcia on Monday that he was no longer in their plans and will be released with three years left on his contract.

Garcia signed a four-year, $25 million free agent deal with Cleveland last March, but almost from the time he was handed an orange helmet and No. 5 jersey, it was apparent that it wasn't a good fit.

In 10 starts for Cleveland, Garcia completed 144 of 253 passes for 1,731 yards with 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions. But even in the preseason, he criticized former coach Butch Davis' offense and never really fit into Davis' system.

Garcia's release -- league rules prevent it from becoming official until Feb. 22 -- continues a house cleaning in the aftermath of a 4-12 season. The Browns last week hired Romeo Crennel, New England's former defensive coordinator, as their coach.

On Sunday, Crennel named Maurice Carthon his offensive coordinator and the two didn't waste any time coming to an agreement on their first personnel move, deciding that Garcia was not worth keeping.

Jeff Garcia had one bummer Cleveland season. (Getty Images)

"I think it was a classy move by the Browns to resolve this quickly," said Garcia's agent, Steve Baker. "It's unfortunate that neither the Browns nor Jeff had the kind of year they were hoping for."

Garcia, who was due a $500,000 roster bonus next month, is likely to be one of a number of veteran quarterbacks on the market this spring.

Two-time league MVP Kurt Warner, who signed with the New York Giants last spring to help break in rookie Eli Manning, has asked to be released after losing his job to Manning after nine games.

Buffalo also could release Drew Bledsoe, a longtime starter with the Bills and Patriots.

Baker is confident that Garcia will find a new team.

Davis, who resigned on Nov. 30 with five games left in the season, outbid Tampa Bay last winter for Garcia, thinking he was a better option at quarterback than either Tim Couch or Kelly Holcomb.

But Garcia never seemed to click with teammates and admitted to having a hard time adjusting to Cleveland's lifestyle after spending his entire life in Northern California.