After the Bears signed tight end Martellus Bennett, 2012 starter Kellen Davis had to know the end was near. He was released by the Bears on Wednesday, freeing up $2.5 million of valuable salary cap space.
Davis came under fire last season after he had trouble holding onto the ball. He was targeted 44 times but made just 19 catches. His blocking also was inconsistent, leading the Bears to look elsewhere to upgrade the position that has become more important in the NFL in recent years. Tight ends like Jimmy Graham and Rob Gronkowski showed that tight ends could be a pivotal part of the defense.
Now, Bennett should give the Bears improved versatility while Davis looks elsewhere for a job. He has reportedly drawn interest from the Steelers.
And this won't likely be the only cut the Bears make as free agency stretches into its second day. Signing Bennett and Jermon Bushrod stretched the Bears' salary cap. More Bears could be on the wrong end of an uncomfortable phone call.
UPDATE: As expected, more Bears were reportedly cut. ESPN Chicago reports Matt Spaeth, the Bears tight end, has been released. Matt Toeina, a defensive lineman who has dealt with several injuries, has also been cut according to the Sun-Times. With those two moves, the Bears have picked up about $1.625 million in salary cap.
