BEREA, Ohio — The Browns gave up on the failed Jayme Mitchell project Friday when they released the former starting defensive end.

Mitchell, who started 13 games at right end last season, became expendable when the Browns signed former Bengals defensive end Frostee Rucker to start in his place and former Eagles defensive end Juqua Parker as a backup.

The Browns also cleared substantial cap room, with Mitchell set to make $2.4 million this season.

Browns General Manager Tom Heckert had high hopes for Mitchell when he acquired him in a trade with the Vikings in October 2010 for a later-round pick in this year's draft. But then-Browns coach Eric Mangini didn't think the 6-6, 285-pound end fit in his 3-4 defense, so he parked Mitchell on the bench for all of his 12 games in 2010.

Heckert believed, however, that Mitchell had a great upside as a rusher off the edge in the new 4-3 scheme of defensive coordinator Dick Jauron. He signed Mitchell to a two-year deal before last season and installed him at left end.

Then along came Jabaal Sheard in the second round of the draft, and he was clearly more comfortable on the left side. Mitchell wasn't thrilled about swapping sides but made the best of it.

The problem was, his best wasn't very good.

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By Week 9, he had lost his starting job to Emmanuel Stephens, and this time, he complained publicly about his demotion. But Stephens suffered a season-ending pectoral injury and Mitchell was pressed into service for the final five games.

All told, he made 32 tackles, 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one recovery.

The Browns feel they upgraded significantly with Rucker and 12-year pro Parker, whose signing the team officially announced Friday. He received a one-year deal worth a maximum of $3 million.

"Juqua is one of the toughest players I've ever been around," said Heckert in a news release. "He performs extremely hard on every play. With the additions of Juqua and Frostee, we have added to the defensive mentality that we are looking for."

Browns coach Pat Shurmur is also familiar with Parker's work ethic.

"I was with him in Philadelphia and know him well," he said. "He is a tough, productive player who will be a great addition to our defense."

The Browns also officially announced the re-signing of cornerback Dimitri Patterson, who signed a three-year deal worth $16 million, with $6 million guaranteed, according to profootballtalk.com.

"Dimitri came in last year and was an important part of our defense," Shurmur said. "He helped solidify our defensive backfield, and we are happy to have him back with the Browns."

Signed by Tennessee as an undrafted free agent in 2001, Parker has started 46 of the 146 regular-season games he's played. He's made 354 tackles, 36.5 sacks, forced nine fumbles, recovered seven fumbles, defensed 16 passes and intercepted one. Parker spent his first four seasons as a backup with the Titans before signing with the Eagles in 2005.

In 2011, he played in 12 games, recording 10 tackles and 1.5 sacks, while tying a career-high with two fumble recoveries, both of which he returned for touchdowns.

No Kam or Kev: The Browns aren't pursuing former first-round pick Kamerion Wimbley, who was released by the Raiders on Friday, because they would've owed him $17.5 million if he were on the roster today. The Raiders still owe him $6.5 million. . . . With the Cardinals officially out of the Peyton Manning derby, they paid quarterback Kevin Kolb his $7 million roster bonus. The Browns probably wouldn't have pursued the former Eagle anyway.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: mcabot@plaind.com, 216-999-4670

On Twitter: @marykaycabot