Roster Move: Bears release Eddie Royal, waive three others

The Bears released Eddie Royal and waived Will Sutton, Cornelius Edison and Paul Lasike

With all of the additions via the draft and undrafted free agents, roster cuts had to be made. The Bears did just that, releasing Eddie Royal while waiving Will Sutton, Cornelius Edison, and Paul Lasike.

The biggest name is obviously Eddie Royal. Royal was signed to a three-year deal, but entering his third season, he had no dead money against him. The Bears will save about $4.5 millions with move. In two seasons Royal had been in and out of the lineup and put up a combined 70 catches, 607 yards and three touchdowns. With the Bears signing Markus Wheaton and Kendall Wright, the idea was that his seat was very hot in 2017.

Sutton was a third-round pick from Arizona State. It seemed obvious the team had to move on from him as well. He was drafted by Phil Emery and when the new General Manager and coaching staff came in, he was not a good scheme fit in Vic Fangio’s defense. They moved him around, but moving forward knew they had no fit for him and decided to cut ties.

What is interesting to note is that with Sutton gone, only six draft picks and 11 total players remain from the Phil Emery era.

We will see how the transition plays out now with an almost complete roster change. Do not be surprised to hear if Ka’Deem Carey’s seat gets hot.

Next: Bears will surprise everyone

Edison was an addition from the practice squad a year ago. With Hroniss Grasu back, Cody Whitehair being a legitimate starter, and Eric Kush having center experience, making the roster would still be a long shot. The Bears are opting for new blood on the practice squad and even Kush will be fighting for a job.

Lasike is a full back, and it most shows the Bears confidence in undrafted free agent Freddie Stephenson to make this move this early into the process.