Cleveland Browns inside linebacker Karlos Dansby

Cleveland Browns linebacker Karlos Dansby has been told he'll be released by the Browns, but is looking forward to a chance to win.

(John Kuntz/cleveland.com)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Linebacker Karlos Dansby told cleveland.com Wednesday the Browns are releasing him in the wake of their signing of free-agent inside linebacker Demario Davis.

"Let's go get that ring,'' he told cleveland.com.

In releasing Dansby, who will be 35 in November, the Browns will not have to pay him his $5 million base salaries in 2016 and 2017. He signed a four-year deal in 2014 worth $24 million, including a $6 million signing bonus and $12 million guaranteed.

They'll save $3.5 million in cap space in 2016 and $5 million in 2017, according to overthecap.com.

"We want to thank Karlos for his service to the Cleveland Browns during the past two seasons," Browns executive vice president of football operations Sashi Brown said in a release. "He was a dedicated, hard-working leader of our defense and we wish him the best as he continues his career."

Dansby, who thinks the Bengals and other teams might be interested him, told cleveland.com that the Browns are in rebuild mode and will likely release other veterans:

Here are some quick highlights from the 14-year pro:

* "I'm sure the Bengals are licking their chops,'' he said.

* He said the Browns called him this morning to tell he was being released.

* "I appreciated it because it gives me a chance to win. There a lot of teams that are close and I can help them.''

* "The Browns are in a rebuild,'' he said. "This gets me closer to my destiny.''

* He said he has four or five years left "because I take care of my body."

* He said his only regret is that they didn't do it two months ago so he could catch on with someone right away. "But there still a lot of teams that need my services.''

* He said he believes other 30-year-old or older Browns will be released. "I told Donte Whitner 'you have to be ready for anything.' ''

* He said he believes receiver Dwayne Bowe, 31, will be released soon.

* He said he believes "the future is bright'' for third-year cornerback Justin Gilbert and that he felt he started to turn the corner last year.

* He said Johnny Manziel remains a friend and he still believes Manziel can be successful in the NFL.

* "This is an opportunity to go play for a Super Bowl contender,'' said Dansby. "I'm excited. I'm getting goosebumps.''

* He said he never viewed Cleveland as place to go and get out as fast as possible: "I wanted to try to do something there that no one had done.''