Bears part ways with another veteran who seemed to be a locker room leader to free up even more cap space
On Thursday, the Chicago Bears finalized the coaching staff for the 2025 season under head coach Ben Johnson.The next order of business at Halas Hall involves breaking down the existing roster and figuring out which players will return in 2025 under the new staff, and which ones won't be back.Earlier today, the process kicked off […]
On Thursday, the Chicago Bears finalized the coaching staff for the 2025 season under head coach Ben Johnson.
The next order of business at Halas Hall involves breaking down the existing roster and figuring out which players will return in 2025 under the new staff, and which ones won't be back.
Earlier today, the process kicked off when the team informed tight end Gerald Everett of his release, and now another new cap causality is joining the list.
According to NFL Media's Mike Garafolo, the Bears are planning to release defensive end DeMarcus Walker, a move that will save the Bears $5.25 million in cap space.
By making the hard decisions to release Everett and Walker, the Bears have now freed up more than $10 million in cap space to utilize this offseason.
In Everett's case, the decision made perfect sense following a disappointing first season in Chicago. But for Walker, the move might leave some fans slightly confused.
Walker was a productive role defender for the Bears since signing a three-year, $21 million deal as a free agent back in 2023. During the 2024 season, Walker started all 17 games, compiling 3.5 sacks, seven tackles for a loss, and 16 QB hits.
Everyone knew the Bears needed to upgrade the other defensive end spot opposite Montez Sweat this offseason, but not many expected the 30-year-old to get outright released from the team. Walker was not only a very vocal locker room leader, but a versatile defensive lineman who could play inside and off the edge.
Earlier today, I mentioned how if the Bears decided to part ways with Walker, they'll need to be sure they can land another caliber player, or better, on the open market. Finding that missing piece opposite Sweat now becomes even more important than ever after making this decision.
Some of the top options to replace Walker on the open market include a reunion with Khalil Mack or exploring other top edge rushers such as Josh Sweat, Azeez Ojulari, or pairing Chase Young back up with new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.
We'll see which route the Bears decide to go once free agency opens on March 12th.
Bears make the first of many easy offseason decisions by parting ways with one of Ryan Poles’ 2024 free agent signings
Another waste of a signing by Ryan Poles.
