Karlos Dansby thinks Bengals are 'licking their chops' upon his release

An already contentious AFC North rivalry may continue to heat up in the wake of Karlos Dansby's release from the Cleveland Browns.

The 34-year-old was cut by the Browns on Wednesday, saving the team $3.5 million in cap space for the 2016 season, and the veteran hinted that he may join one of their primary rivals now that he's a free agent.

"I'm sure the Bengals are licking their chops," he told Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.

Dansby recorded 108 tackles, three interceptions, and two forced fumbles last season, and is still more than capable of making an impact at inside linebacker.

"I appreciated it because it gives me a chance to win," Dansby said of being released. "There are a lot of teams that are close and I can help them.''

In joining the Bengals, he'd be part of a formidable linebacker group that includes Vontaze Burfict and Vincent Rey.

Cleveland didn't retain center Alex Mack, right tackle Mitchell Schwartz, free safety Tashaun Gipson, and wide receiver Travis Benjamin ahead of free agency, and Dansby appears thrilled that he's no longer part of a club undergoing massive renovations.

"The Browns are in a rebuild,'' he said. "This gets me closer to my destiny.''