Bills release quarterback Matt Flynn

(UPI) -- Now that quarterback EJ Manuel has been cleared to return to play, the Buffalo Bills have released Matt Flynn.

Flynn had initially signed a free agent deal to play for the Seahawks as their starting quarterback in 2012, but was beaten out by Russell Wilson. He was traded to Oakland with the expectation of becoming their 2013 starter, but he got beaten out again -- this time by Terrelle Pryor. He was released from that team and was signed by Buffalo three weeks ago as a backup for Manuel.

He never started for the Bills -- even when Manuel and second stringer Thad Lewis were out -- beaten out by undrafted rookie Jeff Tuel.

With Flynn's release, the Bills will pick up fullback Evan Rodriguez.