On Tuesday the Chicago Bears released defensive end Julius Peppers ending a four-year stint.
The Bears had been trying to trade the 34-year-old and simply could not withstand his salary and cap number. By cutting Peppers the Bears will about $14 million in cash and $9.8 million against the cap.
cap mechanics of julius peppers: frees up $13.9M in cash, $9.8M in cap, adds $8.36M to the 2014 “dead” money pool. #bears
— dan durkin (@djdurkin) March 11, 2014
Peppers is still a productive player. The eight-time Pro Bowler played in all 16 games last season recording 46 tackles and 7.5 sacks.
There should be a good number of teams interested in Pepperes but any contract will come on their terms.
“We appreciate Julius’ contributions to the Bears over the last four years,” general manager Phil Emery said. “He was a leader on our defense starting every game since coming to Chicago. His accomplishments over his NFL career place him among the best defensive ends over the past 20 years. The Chicagoland community has benefited greatly from his quiet generosity. We wish him the best.”
