The best example of how the recent past means little to Mangini and new general manager George Kokinis is that a couple prominent players were among seven Browns released Monday. At the top of the list is Ken Dorsey.

It turns out Dorsey was valuable to the Browns right up until the time he had to start at quarterback in December.

Linebacker Antwan Peek, cornerback Terry Cousin, quarterback Bruce Gradkowski, offensive lineman Scott Young, kicker Jason Reda and punter Mike Dragosavich were also axed.

Dorsey was acquired in a trade with the 49ers in 2006 for Trent Dilfer. The Browns also got a seventh-round draft choice in the trade. At the time their starter was Charlie Frye, and Derek Anderson was the backup. Some fans attending training camp that year were convinced Dorsey was the Browns' best quarterback. Former coach Romeo Crennel knew better.

Dorsey was considered a mentor for Derek Anderson in 2006 and a tutor for Brady Quinn in 2007. Dorsey played in one game in 2006 and threw one pass, which was incomplete. He did not take a snap in 2007. He continued in his role as third quarterback in 2008 and an unofficial coach in shoulder pads, but then Quinn was injured (finger) and Anderson was injured (knee) and both went on injured reserve within 10 days of each other.

With four games left, Crennel was forced to start Dorsey. The former Miami Hurricane, 38-2 as a starter in college, was 0-3 as a starter with the Browns. He did not produce a single touchdown, completed 43 of 91 passes, threw seven interceptions, was sacked five times and had a 28.5 passer rating.

Releasing Peek was almost as surprising, considering how weak the pass rush was in 2008. The Browns had 17 sacks, third fewest in the league.

Peek had the misfortune of tearing a patellar tendon the Wednesday before the season opener against the Cowboys. He was to be the rush linebacker from the left side, with Corey Williams in front of him as the new left end. The injury knocked Peek out for the season. He had four sacks in 2007.

Peek worked hard in his rehab and was looking forward to returning to the Browns in 2009. With Willie McGinest likely to retire the Browns do not have a legitimate outside linebacker for the left side.

Cousin was signed in May camp because the Browns were in dire need of a backup behind starters Brandon McDonald and Eric Wright. Cousin played in all 16 games. He intercepted one pass and broke up two others.

Gradkowski, like Cousin, was signed in desperation. He started the final game after subbing for Dorsey in the 15th game. Gradkowski's final numbers: seven completions in 21 tries for 26 yards (1.2 yards per pass attempt), no touchdowns, three interceptions and a 2.8 passer rating.