CLEVELAND — Ben Tate doesn’t have to worry about losing carries with the Browns any longer.
The team released the disgruntled running back Tuesday, two days after he was given the ball just twice in a matchup against the Houston Texans, his former team.
Tate signed a two-year, $6.2 million free agent contract with Cleveland in March to be the Browns’ every-down back. He rushed for 333 yards in eight games (Cleveland has played 10), but his playing time had been dwindling with the emergence of rookies Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West.
Last week, Tate said he wasn’t satisfied with Cleveland’s running backs rotation, and the team decided Tuesday to move on without him.
Browns general manager Ray Farmer explained the move in a statement released by the team.
“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,” Farmer said. “This move is no different and we wish Ben the best going forward.”
On Sunday, Tate was made a captain for the game against the Texans, his team for four seasons. But he had just two rushes for minus-9 yards and initially declined interviews following the game. Tate began to leave the locker room without talking to reporters, but he was coaxed to stay by a member of the team’s media relations staff.
Tate was short with his answers and got into a brief exchange with one reporter who suggested the running back didn’t look happy.
“Did I tell you that?” Tate said, with the reporter replying that Tate seemed unhappy.
“Oh it seemed. Do you know me personally?” Tate said. “Exactly, so you don’t know. You’re assuming now.”
Photo via Don McPeak/USA TODAY Sports Images
