advertisement

Bears clear cash by cutting Davis, Spaeth, Toeaina

The Bears cleared some room under the salary cap Wednesday morning by cutting tight end Kellen Davis. A few hours later, they decided to part ways with backup tight end Matt Spaeth and defensive tackle Matt Toeaina.

The action involving Davis was announced less than 24 hours after the Bears signed former Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants tight end Martellus Bennett to a four-year, $20-million contract and ex-New Orleans Saints offensive left tackle Jermon Bushrod to a five-year, $36 million deal. Those transactions left the Bears bumping up against the NFL’s $123 million salary cap.

Cutting Davis saves $2.5 million, which includes his base salary of $2.4 million plus a $100,000 workout bonus. By cutting Spaeth the franchise saves more than $1.5 million, and releasing Toeaina saves another $1.1 million.

The Bears need to clear more money under the cap if they want to re-sign some of their own unrestricted free agents, including linebackers Brian Urlacher and Nick Roach, guard Lance Louis and defensive lineman Israel Idonije.

Davis started 30 games the last two seasons, catching just 37 passes for 435 yards, although he had 7 TD receptions. But the 2008 fifth-round pick from Michigan State was hurt by inconsistency and dropped passes.

Ÿ Bob LeGere will have more on the two newest Bears, Martellus Bennett and Jermon Bushrod, after they are introduced to the media this afternoon at Halas Hall. Check back later at dailyherald.com and follow Bob’s reports on Twitter@BobLeGere.

Will Bears' busy day translate into success

Bears sign left tackle Bushrod

Bears strike first with deal for TE Bennett

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.