Bears Officially Release WR Earl Bennett

Update:

According to the NFL’s transaction wire, the Bears have terminated the contract of WR Earl Bennett.

This move likely elevates second-year WR Marquess Wilson to the No. 3 WR role, behind Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery.

Cutler and Bennett did display on-field chemistry at times, which likely dated back to their time at Vanderbilt University together.

Bennett’s contract however, as well as the front office’s belief in last year’s seventh-round pick Wilson, made him expendable.

Bennett, 26, still had two years remaining on his five-year, $18.55 million contract that included $9 million guaranteed.  Chicago frees up $2.45 million in cap space by releasing him, according to OverTheCap.com.

Last year, Bennett appeared in 15 games and totaled 32 receptions for 243 yards receiving and four touchdowns. Pro Football Focus had him rated as the No. 72 receiver in the league in 2013.

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Jeff Dickerson of ESPN Chicago reports that veteran WR Earl Bennett has declined to accept a pay cut and is expected to be released.

• Dickerson adds that seventh-round pick Marquess Wilson has emerged as the teams No. 3 receiver.

Bennett, 26, still has two years remaining on his five-year, $18.55 million contract that included $9 million guaranteed. He has a $2.35 million base salary in 2014 to go along with a cap figure of $2.45 million.

Chicago would free up $2.45 million in cap space by releasing him, according to OverTheCap.com.

Last year, Bennett appeared in 15 games and totaled 32 receptions for 243 yards receiving and four touchdowns. Pro Football Focus had him rated as the No. 72 receiver in the league in 2013.