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In a surprising move, the Chicago Bears have terminated the contract of vested veteran defensive back Omar Bolden. The Bears signed Bolden this offseason to bolster their special teams and to push for a role on defense. He signed a one year deal with only $80,000 fully guaranteed.
Unless we hear about an off-field altercation or suspension looming, we’ll have to assume that Bolden was released for football reasons only.
He was added mostly to play special teams, where he plays the coverage units and also can return kicks and punts.
Perhaps the Bears feel confident with their other new defensive back additions after seeing them close up during OTAs and minicamp.
The Bears have a few other options in camp that can return kicks and punts, including rookie Daniel Braverman and veteran Deonte Thompson. And rookie draft picks DeAndre Houston-Carson, Deiondre' Hall and Deon Bush could play the coverage teams.
EDIT: This should clear things up...
Bears spokesman confirms Omar Bolden's release was unrelated to Charles Tillman's sign-and-retire. Roster stands at 89; one vacancy.
— Rich Campbell (@Rich_Campbell) July 22, 2016
Regardless of what happens with that 90th roster spot, we’ll have the news right here at Windy City Gridiron!