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In what they call a salary cap move, the Buffalo Bills released veteran offensive lineman Ruben Brown Monday. But team president and general manager Tom Donahoe admitted the new coaching staff now has a chance to move "in a different direction."

Brown has been a mainstay at left guard since the Bills drafted him in the first round out of Pittsburgh in 1995. He missed only nine games during his nine years in Buffalo, including the season finale at New England last year. His benching for the game was termed for personal reasons, however it is known Brown voiced his displeasure with the Bills offensive philosophy.

Brown, who played in his eighth straight Pro Bowl last month, says he will continue to live and raise his family in Orchard Park. He thanked the fans for what he called "some of the happiest years of my life."