The Chicago Bears emphasized the era of accountability Monday when they informed running back Chester Taylor that he will be released, meaning two-thirds of the club’s blockbuster signings from March 2010 have left Halas Hall.
It's accountability for not only Taylor but those who overpaid him. Combining Taylor and tight end
Brandon Manumaleuna, the Bears paid $13.105 million for two players that gave just one year of service each.
While the club didn't make the Taylor news official, the player has been informed he will not be back. The Bears did announce five roster moves to reduce to the 80-man limit before Tuesday's deadline.
Defensive end
Vernon Gholston, a reclamation project, was waived. He received a $250,000 signing bonus. Also let go were defensive tackle Tank Tyler and three undrafted college free agents: quarterback Trevor Vittatoe, center J.C. Brignone and linebacker Tanner Antle.
In a change in the way they used to do business, the Bears released third-round draft pick
Jarron Gilbert a year ago after only one season with the club. In the past, you wouldn’t see the Bears make tough decisions on high draft picks and high-priced free agents so quickly.
Taylor, who earned $7 million last season, will become an unrestricted free agent. The Bears did not play him Saturday night at
Tennessee because they did not want him to become injured and then be on the hook for his base salary of $1.25 million this season. He should find work with the number of teams needing veteran help at the position.
