Bears waive veteran tackle Orlando Pace

The Bears on Monday waived seven-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Orlando Pace, who was signed a year ago to protect Jay Cutler's blind side but was clearly not the same player he was with the St. Louis Rams in his heyday.

Pace started the first 11 games last season but suffered a groin injury that sidelined him for three weeks.

While he was out, the Bears moved 2008 first-round draft pick Chris Williams from right tackle to left tackle and then kept Pace on the bench after he recovered from his injury. Kevin Shaffer started the final five games at right tackle.

Pace signed a three-year deal with the Bears for $15 million, which included payments of $6 million in 2009. He would have been paid $4 million for the 2010 season and $5 million in 2011, when he was projected as a backup to Williams.

Wide receiver Fontel Mines and guard Tyler Reed also were waived Monday.