Bears release Prince Amukamara and Taylor Gabriel

The Bears are releasing wide receiver Taylor Gabriel and cornerback Prince Amukamara, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Friday. Brad Biggs from the Chicago Tribune was the first to report the team’s plans of releasing Amukamara.

Amukamara joined the Bears on a one-year deal in 2017 and was signed to a three-year, $27 million extension the following year. He played in 44 games with the team, starting 42 of them. He finishes his tenure with 167 tackles, 3 interceptions, 29 pass deflections and 3 forced fumbles.

The Bears signed Gabriel to a four-year, $26 million deal in 2018. Playing in 25 games, he had 96 catches, 1,041 yards and 6 touchdowns. He finished second on the team in receptions with 67 in 2018. His second season in Chicago wasn’t as successful, as two concussions forced him to miss 9 games.

These moves were to be expected, as both players carried unfavorable contracts heading into the 2020 season. With the releases, the Bears create $13.5 million of cap space, giving them some much-needed flexibility for the free agency period ahead.

UPDATE: The Chicago Bears have made it official.