Mark Duncan, Associated Press Quarterback Jeff Garcia, who the Cleveland Browns released yesterday, passes under pressure against the New York Jets. Click photo for larger image.

Jeff Garcia didn't even get to celebrate his one-year anniversary with the Cleveland Browns. Less than 12 months after they signed the three-time Pro Bowler to fix their problems at quarterback, the Browns told Garcia yesterday that he was no longer in their plans and will be released with three years left on his contract.

Garcia signed a four-year, $25 million free-agent deal with Cleveland in March, but almost from the time he was handed an orange helmet and No. 5 jersey, it was apparent that it wasn't a good fit.

In 10 starts, Garcia completed 144 of 253 passes for 1,731 yards with 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions. But even in the preseason, he criticized former coach Butch Davis' offense and never really fit into Davis' system.

Garcia's release -- league rules prevent it from becoming official until Feb. 22 -- continues a housecleaning in the aftermath of a 4-12 season by the Browns, who last week hired Romeo Crennel, New England's former defensive coordinator, as their coach.

Garcia is likely to be one of a number of veteran quarterbacks on the market this spring.

Two-time league MVP Kurt Warner, who signed with the New York Giants last spring to help break in rookie Eli Manning, has asked to be released after losing his job to Manning after nine games.

Buffalo also could release Drew Bledsoe, a longtime starter with the Bills and Patriots.

Davis outbid Tampa Bay last winter for Garcia, thinking he was a better option at quarterback than Tim Couch or Kelly Holcomb.

But Garcia never seemed to click with teammates and admitted to having a hard time adjusting to Cleveland's lifestyle after spending his entire life in Northern California.

With Garcia gone, the Browns will likely try to re-sign Holcomb, who is eligible for free agency, or trade for a veteran quarterback. The team also has the No. 3 pick in April's NFL draft, although it is unlikely they would want to start over with a rookie quarterback.

Crennel also named Jeff Davidson his offensive line coach will retain Jerry Rosburg as special teams coach. Davidson has spent the past eight seasons with New England.

Bengals

Cincinnati added another year to coach Marvin Lewis' contract, extending his deal through the 2008 season.

They also announced that the rest of the coaching staff would return for next season. Chuck Bresnahan replaced Leslie Frazier as defensive coordinator last month, the only change after another 8-8 season.

49ers

The San Francisco 49ers hired former Purdue assistant Gary Emanuel as their defensive line coach. Emanuel spent the past eight seasons at Purdue, where he most recently coached the defensive ends. He also spent three seasons coaching the defensive line at Washington State and four seasons at Syracuse. San Francisco also hired Johnny Parker as its strength and conditioning coach. Parker spent the 2002 season in Tampa Bay, helping the Buccaneers win the Super Bowl.

Bears

The Chicago Bears agreed to terms with long snapper Patrick Mannelly for a six-year contract. Mannelly, who would have been an unrestricted free agent after next season, will now be under contract through 2010.