The Cleveland Browns released running back Ben Tate on Tuesday in a surprising move and now teams like the Indianapolis Colts, Oakland Raiders, Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks, Steelers, NY Giants, Ravens and Minnesota Vikings all could be free agent options if he clears waivers, as teams have been dealing with injures and suspensions, including to players like Adrian Peterson, Ray Rice, Ahmad Bradshaw, Rashad Jennings, Ronnie Hillman and Montee Ball.
Tate was one of the top signings for the Browns in the offseason, but the emergence of Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell has pushed Tate down on the depth chart. According to ESPN.com, the Browns decided to waive Tate on Tuesday and now he will be on waivers and could end up as a free agent. Teams can claim Tate and if he makes it through, he will be a free agent. Tate previously signed a two year deal worth $7 million after backing up Arian Foster for a couple years and now he is on his way out of Cleveland.
--UPDATE: The Steelers have released LeGarrette Blount, making them an option as well.
The Browns have been using a rotation at running back all season and Tate was injured early on, giving West and Crowell the chance to step up. Over the past two weeks the rookies have played better than Tate and that is likely why he was released. Last week Tate had minus nine yards rushing against the Texans on two carries and he complained earlier in the week about his playing time and carries. Mike Pettine made comments that the younger backs were more "explosive" than Tate and clearly that is what the Browns want to do moving forward.
This marks the second year in a row that the Browns have gotten rid of the RB they had to start the season as the starter, as they traded away Trent Richardson last year to the Colts. The Browns now will be getting Josh Gordon back and that could help open up the offense even more for West and Crowell. West and Crowell have had over 70 carries combined in the past three weeks and Tate had not done much to convince the Browns that things were going to turn around.
Tate had a couple strong games earlier in the season while putting up over 200 yards against the Steelers and Titans, but he has averaged less than two yards per carry in his last five games. Cleveland has been going with the hot hand at RB and that has not been Tate in some time. Tate finishes his Browns career with 333 yards in eight games and four TDs and he also had nine catches for 60 yards. The Texans could look at Tate again, as they have Foster dealing with an injury, but they have been pleased with Alfred Blue. Last season Tate had 771 yards and played through broken ribs and now he could end up in a number of places.
The Colts are dealing with injuries and could look at Tate, while the Ravens and Vikings have Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson gone and could look for some support. The Raiders are also an option, while the Giants have been bad rushing the ball and could look for an extra back with Tate. The Broncos also are dealing with injuries to Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman and could look at signing Tate.
