Chicago Bears release Antrel Rolle

After bolstering the safety position in the 2016 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears have decided to part ways with 33 year old veteran Antrel Rolle.

GM Ryan Pace signed Rolle last offseason to a 3 year deal, but injuries limited him to just seven games during he 2015 season. All of Rolle's guaranteed money was paid last year, so cutting him doesn't leave the Bears with any dead money. The Bears will clear $2,718,750 on this year's cap.

With Rolle gone, the Bears currently have veterans Adrian Amos, Harold Jones-Quartey, Omar Bolden, Chris Prosinski, Demontre Hurst and Anthony Jefferson on the roster. Rookie draft picks Deon Bush, Deiondre' Hall and DeAndre Houston-Carson are all listed as defensive backs on the Bears website, although I suspect that Bush and Houston-Carson will compete at safety.

Bush, who like Rolle, played at the University Of Miami, was looking forward to being teammates with him. But now it appears that by being drafted, he helped make Rolle expendable.

Veteran interior offensive lineman Matt Slauson was also released.

"We thank Matt and Antrel for the dedication and leadership they brought to our organization," Bears General Manager Ryan Pace said. "Both men did everything we asked of them. Part of growing as a team is making difficult decisions like the ones we made today. We never take them lightly given the respect we have for everyone who has put on a Bears uniform. We wish each of them the very best as they move forward."

Always a true pro, Rolle tweeted the following;

I appreciate the Chicago Bears and the organization for the opportunity. Blessed as always. Looking forward to what is next!

— Antrel Rolle (@antrelrolle26) May 1, 2016