The Chicago Bears announced the release of five players including veteran DE Israel Idonije and QB Jerrod Johnson on Thursday.
#Bears release DL Israel Idonije, S Sean Cattouse, QB Jerrod Johnson & TE Fendi Onobun while adding DE Jamil Merrell & LB Conor O’Neill
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) June 19, 2014
According to OverTheCap.com, the Bears will free up $990,000 in available cap space just by releasing Idonige and Johnson.
Idonije, 33, signed with the Bears back in March, so he managed to last just three months with his former team. He spent nine seasons with the Bears before signing a one-year contract with the Lions in 2013.
Last year, Idonije was limited to playing just 347 snaps and appearing in 15 games. Unfortunately, his 2013 season ended after he suffered a neck injury and was placed on injured reserve. He recorded just 11 tackles and a half sack for the Lions.
Johnson, 25, signed a reserve/future contract with Bears back in December, but it was doubtful he was going to be able to push anyone for the team’s No. 3 quarterback job.
Reports from earlier in the day suggested that the team was preparing to part ways with one of the quarterbacks, so this really shouldn’t come as a huge surprise.
Looking for the latest NFL Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow NFL Trade Rumors on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NFL News and Rumors for all 32 teams!
