Browns released WR Davone Bess. Just 11 months ago, the Browns traded for Bess and signed him to a four-year contract that included $5.75 million guaranteed. Unbeknownst to them, he was dealing with mental problems that resurfaced late in the 2013 season and landed him on the reserve/NFI list. Before that, he was among the least effective receivers in the NFL, catching 42 passes for 362 yards with two touchdowns and leading the league with 14 drops. The Browns are going to try to void the guaranteed $3.067 million Bess still has left on his contract.

Davone Bess has not spoken to the Browns since they revamped their front office, replacing GM Mike Lombardi with Ray Farmer. It's notable because Bess recently checked himself into a mental facility, and Profootballtalk.com has reported the Browns hope to void the guaranteed money left on Bess' contract. "I haven't talked to the Browns, and I don't know how they feel about me," he said. Bess led the NFL with 14 dropped passes in 2013.

Profootballtalk reports the Browns hope to void the $3.067 million guaranteed they owe Davone Bess for 2014. Unbeknownst to Cleveland, Bess was dealing with mental issues when he was acquired from the Dolphins last April. The problems resurfaced late in 2013, and Bess was placed on the reserve/NFI list. According to PFT, the Browns believe that voided the guarantees in Bess' deal. Bess is signed through 2016. Going on 29, Bess was extremely ineffective before last year's issues.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer guesses the Browns will release Davone Bess. This is going to be a complicated situation. The Browns unknowingly traded for damaged goods in Bess, who had been involuntarily hospitalized in a mental institution six weeks before the deal. Then they gave him a four-year deal that included $5.75 million guaranteed. The Browns might have a case against the Dolphins to recoup some of their cash, but the NFL is unlikely to give them any cap relief. Bess had just 42 catches for 362 yards with two touchdowns and dropped 14 passes before leaving the team in late December.

The Miami Herald reports the Dolphins didn't tell the Browns about Davone Bess' apparent instability before trading him on draft weekend. The Dolphins knew Bess had issues, but they took a "don't-ask-don't-tell approach" on the subject when they were in the process of shopping Bess and eventually trading him. Cleveland then inked Bess to a three-year contract extension. Now, it's probably not the first time a team has knowingly pawned off damaged goods to another team, but this just adds to ex-GM Jeff Ireland's poor reputation. Owner Stephen Ross has said he wants to find a new GM who has "integrity."

The Miami Herald reports Davone Bess was Baker Acted back in March of 2013.

Davone Bess was arrested for assaulting a police officer/firefighter Friday morning at Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Airport. Bess has been in the news recently, and not for reasons you'd want to be in the news. He's posted photos online of what appears to be marijuana the past few weeks and left the Browns ahead of Week 15 for personal reasons. There are no further details on Bess' Friday-morning arrest, but he was taken into custody shortly after 6 AM local time. He's coming off one of the worst seasons of his career.

Browns placed WR Davone Bess on reserve/NFI.

Davone Bess is listed as questionable for Week 16, as he's dealing with a "serious family issue." Details are unclear but Bess didn't practice on Thursday or Friday. The Browns' backup slot receiver is Josh Cooper. Greg Little can also play inside.

Davone Bess (illness) is not practicing Thursday.