Chicago Bears release Pernell McPhee and Quintin Demps
The Chicago Bears released two more veterans today, as the reload is fully on
The Chicago Bears are trying to gear up with their second year quarterback and rookie head coach. To do that, they are timing fat and retaining as much salary as they possibly can. Today, the team let go of Pernell McPhee and Quintin Demps.
https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/968231096042381312
The two moves should be looked at as no brainers. With the two combined, the team cleared over $10 million in cap space and brought them up over $60 million overall.
The #Bears clear over $10.3M in 2018 cap by releasing S Quintin Demps & LB Pernell McPhee, bringing them over $60M in projected space heading toward March. https://t.co/8N3sAmieDP
— Spotrac (@spotrac) February 26, 2018
The Demps signing was a disaster from the start. He was not the only reason, but his play did not help in their week one loss to the Atlanta Falcons. From there, he was placed on the Injured Reserve a week later, making the signing a complete loss.
More from Bear Goggles On
- Franchise tag and transition tag windows open for Chicago Bears and NFL
- How the Chicago Bears can control the running back market in 2023
- The Chicago Bears can own the city of Chicago moving forward
- Chicago Bears NFL Combine Preview: Quarterback
- 7 best free agent tackle options for Chicago Bears
For McPhee, there were moments in which the signing had a chance. However, like Demps, injuries stopped him before he ever starter. He seemed to always be receiver from something, and knees and shoulders were usually the culprits. At age 29, the Chicago Bears clearly think that the writing is on the wall for the edge rusher, who had 14 sacks in three years with the Bears. McPhee missed 12 games over that time.
Now, it is clear the team will look edge early and often this offseason. At safety, the team is fine with Eddie Jackson and Adrian Amos. On the edge, the cupboard is dry after Leonard Floyd. Willie Young could be the next name to be released from Chicago, and if so, at least two outside additions will be made at this position, and likely three or four new names will be in camp next season overall.