The Bears are releasing offensive lineman Earl Watford, who was reportedly the subject of trade talks, according to Albert Breer of TheMMQB.com (Twitter link). 
The former fourth-round Cardinals pick signed with the Bears in April and was expected to have a shot at the starting lineup. Unfortunately, things did not pan out that way for him, despite Kyle Long‘s injury history and the departure of Josh Sitton.
Watford started nine games for the Cards last season and eleven in 2016. Pro Football Focus has graded Watford as one of the worst full-time blockers in the game over the past two seasons, however, but the 28-year-old has made 22 starts over the past three years in spite of that.
The Bears project to start Charles Leno, James Daniels, Cody Whitehair, Long, and Bobby Massie on the front line in Week 1.
The Lions need to get Earl under contract as soon as possible.
Bears were said to be shopping him via trade. No one was willing to offer a conditional pick.