Chicago Bears release tackle Jermon Bushrod
When the Bears' offense lines up on the opening day of training camp this summer, it will be without Jermon Bushrod at left tackle for the first time in four years.
The nine-year veteran, who lost his starting job early last season, was released on Tuesday afternoon. The expected move saves the Bears $6.4 million in base salary that Bushrod would have been owed this season and $6.6 million in base salary he would been paid in 2017.
Bushrod, who will turn 32 shortly before the 2016 regular season begins, originally joined the Bears on a five-year, $35.9 million contract he signed as an unrestricted free agent before the 2013 season. That deal included a signing bonus of $11 million.
"We thank Jermon for his contributions to the Bears," Bears general manager Ryan Pace said in a statement. "I have so much respect for how he carries himself on and off the field. He was a locker room leader and contributor in helping the younger players on our team grow. We wish him and his family the best."
The 6-foot-5, 320-pound Bushrod started the first three games at left tackle last season before a concussion and a shoulder injury sidelined him for four weeks. He was replaced by 2014 seventh-round draft pick Charles Leno, who held the job the remainder of the season.
Bushrod started 30 games at left tackle in his first two seasons with the Bears (2013-14) after starting 62 of 64 games the previous four seasons with the New Orleans Saints.