The Bears have opted to release veteran defensive end Julius Peppers, the team announced today (Twitter link). Assuming the move isn’t designated as a post-June 1 cut, it will create about $9.82MM in 2014 cap savings for the club.
The former second-overall pick of the Panthers joined the Bears before the 2010 season, tallying 37.5 sacks as a Bear. He has been to the Pro Bowl eight times (three times as a Bear), and been selected All Pro three times, most recently in 2010. Peppers is currently 17th on the career sack list, taking down the quarterback 118.5 times.
The 34-year-old pass rusher is now and a free agent, and only one year removed from a Pro Bowl appearance will look to add to his impressive career totals outside of Chicago.
Wonder if the Hawks will be interested, they were a few years ago.