Defensive back Brandon Browner will be looking for his fourth team in as many seasons as he will be released by the New Orleans Saints, sources confirmed to ESPN NFL Insider John Clayton on Friday.
Earlier Friday, Browner had hinted that he'd be released by the Saints, tweeting: "U got to take the good with the bad, sometimes treat the wins like loses. Next Chapter every good book has up and downs #farewellneworleans."
Browner declined to make any further comment to ESPN's Josina Anderson on Friday.
The Saints have not made any announcements about Browner, and by league rules the team cannot cut the fifth-year pro until after the Super Bowl. Browner, who signed with the Saints as a free agent prior to last season, costs the team $6.3 million against the cap. He is due $5 million in salary and bonuses, including $2.75 million fully guaranteed.
The Saints will save $950,000 in cap space and $2.25 million in cash if they wait until after March 9, when the new league year begins, to release him. They could save even more against the cap if they release him after June 1.
Browner, 31, had 76 tackles, 10 passes defended and an interception as he struggled to fit in with the Saints last season. He was flagged for 24 penalties (21 accepted) -- the most by any player in a single season since at least 2001, according to ESPN Stats and Information.
The Saints signed the big 6-foot-4, 221-pounder to help them establish a more physical press-coverage scheme. And Browner was effective in certain matchups, including facing Calvin Johnson, against whom he turned in a strong performance. However, he was often caught in mismatches against faster receivers, in part because of the Saints' injury issues at the cornerback position.
He also allowed too many deep balls over his head, contributing to the problems of a defense that shattered the NFL record for most touchdown passes allowed in a season (45). Things got so ugly by the end of the season that Browner was booed in pregame introductions before the home finale.
Browner has also played with the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots, earning Super Bowl rings with both teams, although he was suspended during the Seahawks' postseason run to Super Bowl XLVIII for violating the league's substance-abuse policy. He missed the first four games of the 2014 season with the Patriots before being reinstated from that suspension.
He was also suspended for four games in 2012 for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing drugs.
Browner posted the following on Instagram:
"I truly did love the city, really wanted to do well for the 504. Some of the best people, best hospitality, and food. And a city that will show u a good time. How could you beat that. I got TRU friends in da city. 100 [percent] appreciate the opportunity the saints gave me, my teammates, I enjoyed coming to work everyday grinding with this group. First Class organization top down coaching staff, equipment, training staff, to the cooks in the kitchen. Can't forget the stretch and conditioning team. Greatly Appreciated."
ESPN Staff Writer Mike Triplett contributed to this report.