Aug 8, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Eric Weems (14) catches a punt that is defended by Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Brandon Boykin (22) in the first quarter during a preseason game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
The other big move was the signing of wide receiver Santonio Holmes to a 1-year deal. To make room for Holmes, the Bears cut wide receiver and return man Eric Weems. Weems has had one foot on the banana peel this entire offseason. He was asked to take a pay cut earlier in the offseason, which shows that a team is willing to go another direction if the player refuses to take the cut.
In Weems’ case, he accepted the pay cut to stick on the team. But after struggling in his roles as a reserve receiver and as the first returner, the Bears decided to part ways with Weems. Weems still counts $500k against the salary cap, the prorated portion of his $1.5 million bonus that he received in 2012.
With Weems out, the return specialist job is wide open. You would hope that Chris Williams can get back on the field after tweaking his hamstring on his 70-yard TD reception against the Eagles in Week 1 of the preseason. That is one of the biggest questions still looming over the Bears with just three weeks until the real deal.