The Chicago Bears will release veteran linebacker Sam Acho in an effort to free up salary cap space, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Acho, 30, appeared in four games last season before landing on injured reserve with a torn pec. Acho played four seasons with the Bears, making 25 starts along the way. He managed 98 tackles and four sacks during his tenure with the team.
Acho represented a $2.375 million cap hit in 2019. By releasing him, the Bears will have roughly $2 million more to spend in free agency. It’s assumed this extra money will go toward trying to re-sign CB Bryce Callahan and SAF Adrian Amos, but there’s always a chance GM Ryan Pace has his eyes on a surprise player or two.
Big-name veterans like Landon Collins (SAF, Giants) and Justin Houston (EDGE, Chiefs) are expected to be available on the open market and both would represent upgrades for a Bears defense that’s already considered one of the best in the NFL.
Teams can begin negotiating contract terms with free agents during the legal tampering period which begins Monday, March 11, two days in advance of the official start of the new league year on March 13.
