The Chicago Bears parted ways with 34 players on Saturday, trimming their roster to the NFL-mandated 53 players. Here’s a closer look at the final cuts.
Most significant move: The Bears didn’t release any big names, but they shocked the NFL world on Saturday morning when they traded for Oakland’s star pass-rusher Khalil Mack. The 27-year-old is arguably the Bears’ most notable acquisition since the club obtained quarterback Jay Cutler from the Denver Broncos in 2009, and then signed free-agent defensive end Julius Peppers the next offseason. The Bears quickly came to terms with Mack on a monster contract extension -- ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reports that Mack will receive $90 million in guaranteed money -- to ensure that the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year will be a staple on Chicago’s defense for many seasons to come.
Protecting Mitch: New Bears head coach Matt Nagy’s old team, the Kansas City Chiefs, typically kept three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. But Nagy opted to keep only two on Saturday, releasing veteran Tyler Bray, who, along with Chicago’s primary backup, Chase Daniel, played under Nagy in Kansas City. The Bears could always decide to bring back Bray after Week 1, thus avoiding having to guarantee him his veteran minimum salary. Daniel is making $7 million guaranteed in 2018 to be Chicago’s No. 2 behind Mitchell Trubisky.
Over and out: Former fourth-round pick Deiondre Hall’s underwhelming tenure with the Bears is over. Eagles general manager Howie Roseman confirmed on Saturday that the defensive back is headed to Philadelphia in exchange for what is believed to be a conditional draft choice. Hall, who will be suspended for Week 1 for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, appeared in only 10 regular-season games for the Bears since 2016.
Bears moves: Waived: offensive lineman Dejon Allen, defensive lineman Abdullah Anderson, linebacker Jonathan Anderson, wide receiver DeMarcus Ayers, long-snapper Tanner Carew, defensive back Rashard Fant, defensive back John Franklin, wide receiver Tanner Gentry, defensive back Doran Grant, offensive lineman Brandon Greene, linebacker Ro’Derrick Hoskins, wide receiver Garrett Johnson, wide receiver Malachi Jones, defensive back Michael Joseph, defensive back Cre’Von LeBlanc, defensive back Jonathon Mincy, running back Taquan Mizzell, offensive lineman Jordan Morgan, running back Ryan Nall, linebacker Elijah Norris, defensive back Nick Orr, offensive lineman Will Pericak, tight end Colin Thompson, linebacker John Timu, defensive lineman Cavon Walker, punter Ryan Winslow and linebacker Josh Woods. Contracts terminated: quarterback Tyler Bray, running back Knile Davis, linebacker Kasim Edebali, wide receiver Bennie Fowler, defensive tackle John Jenkins, offensive lineman Matt McCants and defensive lineman Nick Williams.