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The big roster move news of the day was the impending release of quarterback Mike Glennon as soon as the new year starts, but the Chicago Bears did announce one other transaction. Outside linebacker Willie Young has been released.
Young came to the Bears in 2014, which was the final year of the Marc Trestman era and the last time Young played defensive end. He had a career best 10 sacks that season, but with the hiring of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, Young was moved to outside linebacker. Young battled some injuries these last three years, and he totaled only 16 more sacks during that time. He leaves the Bears tied for 15th in franchise history with 26 sacks.
The 32-year old Young has been rehabbing a triceps injury, but if he’s healthy he’ll likely latch on to a team relatively soon. He has some scheme versatility now and he could still get after the quarterback.
The Bears save $3.6 million by releasing Young, but with him and Pernell McPhee both gone now, the team is very thin at the position. I’d imagine general manager Ryan Pace targets outside linebacker in both free agency and the NFL Draft.