Chicago Bears release Sam Acho

The Chicago Bears are letting go of their depth pass rusher, and special teams ace Sam Acho

The Chicago Bears have been looking for ways to save cap space as they head into the offseason looking to re-sign Bryce Callahan and Adrian Amos. While that is a tough task every dollar helps, and the Bears save a few this morning by informing Sam Acho that he would be released.

The moves will save the Bears a little over $2 million the cap.

In some ways, it is no surprise. Acho is coming off of pectoral surgery and while he should be healthy to start the year he is aging. Acho brings no more than depth on defense and was mainly a special teams helper with the addition of Khalil Mack.

The Bears could hope to find cheaper special teams help, or try to bring back Acho on a cheaper deal.

On the other hand, Acho brought a lot to the locker room. He was a “we” player and Matt Nagy buys into his style a lot.

Acho contributed on special teams but also brought depth to a position the team currently has none at. Aaron Lynch is a free agent, Leonard Floyd is not signed long term and behind them is just Isaiah Irving and Kylie Fitts. If neither takes a step forward, the Bears would crawl back to Acho and hope that he can provide the role Chicago thought was so expendable.

Still, if this move helps keep Adrian Amos, it is a risk worth taking. Look for depth edge rushers to be signed in free agency or drafted later in April.