Slauson started 16 games a year ago, four at center, and was a versatile, effective interior linemen.
Advertisement
Pace can say what he wants about respecting Rolle and Slauson, but if the team truly respected them they would have been cut at a time when they would have had a much better opportunity to find work elsewhere. Another top free agent safety could be James Idehigbo, who had a nice season for the Detroit Lions a year ago and appears to still have some productivity in him.
Rolle, 33, was due a $2.4 million base salary next season. In the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, the Bears selected offensive guard Cody Whitehair.
Here’s what Slauson said through an Instagram post that showed his empty locker. “I will carry the flag for you, brother”. He also battled an ankle injury in a rough season.
With Rolle gone, the Bears now have veterans Adrian Amos, Harold Jones-Quartey, Omar Bolden, Chris Prosinski, Demontre Hurst and Anthony Jefferson on the roster.
After the offensive line suffered various injuries in 2015, Slauson stepped up to the challenge by starting four games at center with rookie Hroniss Grasu banged up and Will Montgomery on injured reserve.
With the Bears signing Omar Bolden in free agency and adding three potential safeties in this year’s draft class, the writing was on the wall for Rolle.
Like Rolle, waiving Slauson wasn’t a huge surprise. Whitehair will now head the competition for the left guard spot with off-season additions Manny Ramirez and Ted Larsen. Whitehair should settle in nicely at left guard.
The Chicago Bears released S Antrel Rolle and OL Matt Slauson. Both guys were true leaders.
Advertisement
So why was Slauson released?
