"LeCharles had a meeting with us this morning and indicated he was seeking his release from the Browns," general manager Phil Savage said Wednesday afternoon. "We felt like we wanted to oblige that request, so that's what we've done."

Bentley signed with the Browns in March 2006 but suffered a torn patellar tendon on the first day of full training camp practice four months later and missed the next two seasons. His release comes 27 months to the day that he first signed with the team he grew up rooting for.

A star at St. Ignatius High School and Ohio State, Bentley made two Pro Bowls in four years with the Saints before signing with the Browns. But the Browns have remade their offensive line in the 23 months since his injury, and Savage said Bentley wished to attempt to continue his career elsewhere.

"It was a unique circumstance," Savage said. "It just didn't work out.

"The landscape of our team has changed. We wish him the best of luck in his pursuits, whatever they are. He's indicated that he wants to play this year. There's no way for us to know if that's possible."

Bentley was cleared by the Browns medical staff on Monday evening and participated in practice Tuesday morning on a limited basis. He didn't participate Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday morning and left Browns Headquarters early Wednesday afternoon.

"We have some closure to it now," Savage said. "We can go our separate ways in a positive manner and focus on the '08 season and training camp and the players that are on the field.

"He's a great player. We had great hopes of him being our center at one point. But I think for the good of the team and of the organization I think it's good to have some closure for everybody involved."