The Cleveland Browns have announced that they will release starting quarterback Jeff Garcia as soon as salary cap rules permit it. The official release is expected on March 2. The release will end a stormy one year tenure in Cleveland for the former San Francisco 49ers star.

The Browns signed Garcia as a free agent prior to the 2004 season and expected him to be able to return the team to the playoffs. Instead, both Garcia and the Browns suffered through a difficult season.

Garcia was injured for most of the 2004 season and his effectiveness was limited. He suffered a sprained knee ligament and injured his rotator cuff. He also had trouble getting along with coaches and teammates at various times during the season.

Scouts say Garcia's lack of height and arm strength limit him as a quarterback but he has been effective in the past because of his smarts, gutsy play and leadership abilities. He has led the 49ers to the playoffs earlier in his career and appeared in the Pro Bowl. The Detroit Lions are reportedly interested in signing Garcia as a veteran backup to inconsistent starter Joey Harrington. Garcia will turn 35 later this month.