Browns release RG3 after 1 season

The Cleveland Browns announced the release of quarterback Robert Griffin III on Friday.

Griffin's time in Cleveland comes to an end after just one season in which a shoulder injury forced him to spend significant time on the sidelines.

The former rookie sensation showed flashes of playmaking ability when he returned to the starting lineup for the last month of the year, but it was fairly clear he wasn't a long-term answer under center.

Griffin is now an unrestricted free agent and can sign with another team immediately.

Cody Kessler should remain the backup to any quarterback the team manages to land by way of free agency, a trade, or April's draft.

Brock Osweiler was acquired in a trade with the Houston Texans on Thursday, but all indications are the Browns simply saw value in taking on the salary-cap hit to land a premium draft pick.

Reports indicate Cleveland is already set on parting ways with the 2016 free-agent bust.