Report: Bears to release P.J. Walker, waive Alex Leatherwood

The Chicago Bears have released P.J. Walker, waived offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood, and waived UDFA guard Gabe Houy with an injury designation.

The Bears signed Walker to a two-year, $4 million deal with $2 million guaranteed, but unexpected competition from undrafted free agent Tyson Bagent has Chicago comfortable eating some salary. Bagent has apparently secured a spot on the 53-man roster, but Chicago also has Nathan Peterman under contract for now if they feel a need to keep a veteran QB in their room.

Leatherwood was claimed a year ago off waivers, but a bout with Mono slowed him from finding his footing on the Bears’ o-line. This offseason he was getting plenty of reps with the ones at left guard in place of the injured Teven Jenkins, but he wasn’t able to impress enough to stick around. Realesing Leatherwood will give the Bear a dead cap hit of about $4.5 million.

If Houy clears waivers, he’ll revert to the Bears’ injured reserve list. Chicago can then keep him or release him with an injury settlement.

Chicago needs to be at the 53-man roster limit by Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. (CT).