Browns waive running back Ben Tate

The Cleveland Browns have waived running back Ben Tate. 

The Browns signed Tate in the offseason after he showed real potential running behind Arian Foster as a Houston Texan. 

Tate has recently complained about his playing time behind Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West, who have combined for 766 yards and eight touchdowns this season.

He told reporters last week "he'd be lying" if he said he was happy with the team's crowded backfield, and coach Mike Pettine neither confirmed or denied Tate's attitude led to his demotion Monday.

General manager Ray Farmer made the announcement Tuesday.

"With all the transactions we make while constructing our roster, it will always be our intent to do what is best for our football team," said Farmer. "This move is no different and we wish Ben the best going forward."

Tate, who was the Week 1 starter before getting injured, seemed confident in June he would be the Browns' feature back, saying:

Honestly, I'm not worried about that, because I know when I'm on my game. No disrespect to any other running back here, but there's no one that can touch me or that's close to what I do.

Jettisoning the surly Tate will surely benefit the Browns' locker room, but it also may benefit another team, like, say, the Indianapolis Colts, who are in the market for a running back after losing Ahmad Bradshaw in Week 11.