Cleveland, OH -- (Sports Network) - Cleveland Browns center LeCharles Bentley has asked for, and received, his release from the team on Wednesday.

Regarded as the top free agent in the 2006 off-season, Bentley backed out of an unofficial agreement with the Philadelphia Eagles before signing with the Browns. In July of that year he tore the patella tendon in his knee, sidelining him for all of 2006, and suffered a staph infection that kept him out of the 2007 campaign. On Monday, Bentley was finally cleared to play, but soon after requested his release.

Bentley said before he left the Browns facility that he will probably return to Phoenix to continue training. He also said that he expects to be on an NFL roster in 2008 and expects to be a major contributor.

The Ohio State product started 57 games with New Orleans from 2002-2005, and was voted to the Pro Bowl in 2003 and 2005.