Earlier this week, we heard that the Bears had asked wide receiver and special teamer Eric Weems to accept a pay cut. Today, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports (via Twitter) that Weems has declined that request, and will likely be released as a result.
Weems, 28, had a very limited role on offense or as a returner last season, appearing in just 24 offensive snaps and returning five kicks. His primary contributions came in kick and punt coverage, where he logged eight special teams tackles.
Heading into the final year of his contract, Weems is on the books for a $1.6MM cap number. Cutting him will leave the Bears with $500K in dead money on the cap, but will clear Weems’ $1MM base salary and a $100K workout bonus from the team’s books.
The Bears also released wide receiver Earl Bennett earlier this week when he declined a pay cut.