Source: Bears plan to release DL Jarron Gilbert

According to a team source, the Bears plan to release 2009 third-round draft pick Jarron Gilbert when final cuts are due at 5 p.m. today.

Gilbert made almost no impact as a rookie, playing briefly in just four games and failing to make a tackle. Although his production was slightly better this year, with sacks in the final two preseason games, Gilbert was the odd man at a crowded position. Fellow defensive lineman Henry Melton, who was picked one round after Gilbert, appears to have made the final 53-man roster. During training camp he demonstrated better pass-rush ability than Gilbert, and Melton contributes more on special teams, which the Bears value.

Linebacker Tim Shaw, who set the Bears' team record with 30 special-teams tackles in 2009, has not been released, although he was reportedly on his way out. Shaw has drawn interest from other NFL teams because of his prowess as a coverage man on punts and kickoffs. He had 8 special-teams tackles in the 2009 season finale, the most by Bears player in at least six years.

Wide receiver Juaquin Iglesias, who was also a third-round selection in '09, 31 picks after Gilbert, could also be released today, although he had 4 preseason catches for 65 yards, including a 39-yard grab in Thursday night's finale. Iglesias played in just one game last season as a rookie and missed much of training camp this year with a hamstring injury.