Chicago Bears release Eddie Jackson, clears cap for Jaylon Johnson extension

After some not-so-cryptic social media posts hit the internet last week, it isn't too surprising to see the Chicago Bears releasing Eddie Jackson. The move might not make fans happy, and that's the human element of this sport.

The Chicago Bears release Eddie Jackson, clears $12.56M of cap

The NFL is one of the largest businesses in the world, so these decisions aren't done so lightly.

Eddie Jackson was a key member of the 2018 Chicago Bears team, which resonates highly with younger Bears fans. In recent memory, that team was one of the most special ones, and it was special in-part by Eddie Jackson.

Unfortunately for Eddie Jackson, he isn't the 2018 Bo Jack fans fell in love with. There was a belief he might've returned in 2022, though an injury stopped that train. And with Jaylon Johnson needing a large contract, this move and the Cody Whitehair move are likely being done to get money for Jaylon Johnson's next contract.

Eddie Jackson isn't a bad football player; the Bears just needed money to pay their younger players who would be with the team longer than Jackson would.

Releasing Jackson clears up almost $13 million in salary cap space, which is almost enough to cover one year of Jaylon Johnson's contract. In a defense that needs leaders to perform at a high level, out with Eddie Jackson and in with Jaylon Johnson.

The Bears have a chance this off-season to replace Eddie Jackson and re-sign Jaylon Johnson. If that means letting go of a player no longer in their prime, it's a move that needs to be made.

And the Chicago Bears have made one-half of the move already. Now, go extend Jaylon Johnson.