McCoy gets backup QB job, Browns release Wallace

McCoy, who made 21 starts over the past two seasons, lost his job early in training camp to the 28-year-old Weeden, a first-round draft pick. McCoy's future with Cleveland seemed bleak but he played well during the exhibition season, embraced his role and the Browns decided to keep him over Wallace, who spent the past two seasons as No. 2 QB and part-time starter.

McCoy followed Weeden into each of the Browns' four exhibition games, but coach Pat Shurmur kept his plans at quarterback a tightly guarded secret, leading to speculation the club was trying to make a deal for McCoy, who went 6-15 as a starter.

Instead, he'll start the season behind Weeden, just as he did as a rookie in 2010, when he was the team's third-stringer behind Jake Delhomme and Wallace.

Browns general manager Tom Heckert had a busy day finalizing his roster. The Browns waived 18 players, terminated the contract of Wallace and tight end Evan Moore and traded safety David Sims to Philadelphia for a conditional draft pick in 2013.

The club also placed linebacker Scott Fujita on the reserve/suspended list. Fujita has been suspended for the first three games by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for his role in the Saints' bounty scandal. However, earlier this week Fujita said he is planning to play in Week 1 and is confident his suspension will be delayed.

The 31-year-old Wallace was the most notable player cut by the Browns, who open the regular season next week against the Eagles. Wallace was acquired in a 2011 trade from Seattle, where he played for Browns president Mike Holmgren. Wallace started seven games for Cleveland.

After Shurmur named Weeden his starter, Wallace and McCoy were left to battle for the No. 2 job. Shurmur left open the possibility he would keep both QBs, but decided to waive Wallace and his $2.4 million contract and keep Wallace along with Thad Lewis as his third quarterback. Shurmur coached Lewis in St. Louis.