Windy City Gridiron
On Friday afternoon, the Chicago Bears cut two veterans that will clear $10.75 million in salary cap space: tight end Gerald Everett and defensive end DeMarcus Walker.
Everett’s release makes sense as the soon-to-be 31-year-old is coming off his worst year as a pro, with just eight catches for 36 yards. The Bears signed him for offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, but Waldron couldn't figure out how to get him involved in the offense. He only played in 22% of the offensive snaps and provided nothing in the third phase. This move creates a $1,000,000 dead cap hit and a savings of $5,500,000.
While the Walker cut saved $5,250,000 in cap space with just $666,668 in dead money, his production will need to be replaced. He started all 17 games last season with 47 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and 16 QB hits.
My gut tells me that the Walker move is a precursor to another move for a starting defensive end because why create a hole in the lineup unless you have a plan in place?
A few free agent defensive ends are the Philadelphia Eagles’ Josh Sweat, the Dallas Cowboys’ DeMarcus Lawrence, and Dayo Odeyingbo of the Indianapolis Colts.
Two free agents who are familiar with the new Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen are Chase Young, who played for him with the New Orleans Saints last year, and Khalil Mack, who played for Allen as a rookie with the Raiders.
Chicago GM Ryan Poles has never been afraid of the trade market, so perhaps Las Vegas’ Maxx Crosby or Cleveland’s Myles Garrett are on their radar.
