Browns release Quentin Groves, Larry Grant

Sep 8, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns outside linebacker Quentin Groves (54) encourages the crowd against the Miami Dolphins during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Browns have released Quentin Groves, who was brought in last year to play in Ray Horton’s defense as well as being a captain.  It is a little surprising because Groves was effective last year before a high ankle sprain short circuited his season, but Groves has been a great fit with Horton but not really anyone else.  At this point, it seems like only a matter of time before Groves ends up as a Tennessee Titan to reunite with Horton and give them a badly needed outside rushing threat there.

A position group that looked all but locked up suddenly has an opportunity for someone to make the roster along with Jabaal Sheard, Paul Kruger and Barkevious Mingo.  On the roster, the Browns currently have Brandon Magee, Justin Staples, and Eric Martin, but they could obviously look to bring in someone else to what is likely to be the fourth and final outside linebacker spot.

Groves finished the season with a pair of sacks, a tackle for loss and two forced fumbles in 5 games.  The team also announced the release of former San Francisco 49er and Ohio State Buckeye inside linebacker Larry Grant, which would suggest they feel better about Darius Eubanks and Tank Carder.