The Bears announced that they have cut tackle Jermon Bushrod with a failed physical designation. Bushrod was due to earn $6.5MM in 2016. Bushrod inked a sizable five-year deal back in 2013 and he had two more seasons to go before the pact was terminated on Tuesday. The failed physical stemmed from Bushrod’s bad shoulder, a source tells Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports (via Twitter). 
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Bushrod, 31, suffered a concussion early in the season and, soon after, a shoulder injury. Charles Leno took over the tackle spot in his absence and Bushrod was then asked to play backup to him and right tackle Kyle Long.
“We thank Jermon for his contributions to the Bears,” Bears GM Ryan Pace said (via Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune). “I have so much respect for how he carries himself on and off the field. He was a locker room leader and contributor in helping the younger players on our team grow. We wish him and his family the best as they move forward.”
Bushrod and the Bears agreed to a five year contract worth nearly $36MM back in 2013. Prior to that, the tackle spent 2007-2012 with the Saints where he earned two consecutive Pro Bowl selections before hitting the open market.
The Bears will save $4.3MM against the 2016 cap by releasing Bushrod while carrying $4.4MM in dead money. With Bushrod out of the picture, the Bears are expected to evaluate both Leno and Long as options on the left side.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Smart move