Bears announce first offseason move to create immediate salary cap relief with more moves expected on the way
The Chicago Bears have released LB Amen Ogbongbemiga.
The Chicago Bears have started the tough offseason process of moving on from players to create immediate cap relief with plenty more moves on the horizon.
Linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga was the team’s first cap causality after being released on Friday, a move that saves the team just over $2 million in cap space.
Ogbongbemiga won’t be the only cap casualty for the Bears and isn’t expected to be the only linebacker released either, with many expecting Tremaine Edmunds to be released as well.
Amen Ogbongbemiga’s release opens the door for Ruben Hyppolite II to step up
Ogbongbemiga spent two seasons with the Bears as a reserve linebacker and core special teamer. After his one-year deal in 2024, the Bears opted to bring him back on a two-year deal.
It’s clear defensive coordinator Dennis Allen plans to overhaul the linebacker position at the expense of special teams coordinator Richard Hightower losing a key veteran.
Chicago, however, was prepared for this decision after drafting linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II in the fourth round of last year’s draft. This move opens the door for him to step into that role on special teams and showcase his speed.
Ogbongbemiga logged 133 special teams snaps in eight games after playing all 17 games the season before. Hyppolite appeared in seven games as a rookie, logging 82 special teams snaps.
Hyppolite taking over that role, of course, depends on whether or not the Bears look to add to the position more in free agency and/or the 2026 NFL Draft, something the Bears very well could do to add more competition.
Other cap casualties on the horizon for the Bears before free agency
As previously mentioned, Edmunds is still the big name the Bears could look to release ahead of free agency to clear $15 million in cap space.
Other players to watch out for as a potential release include tight end Cole Kmet, running back D’Andre Swift, running back Roschon Johnson, and potentially even cornerback Tyrique Stevenson.
It’s going to be a busy next few days as the Bears look to free up some cap space before the start of free agency.
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