Bears Release Alex Brown

Veteran defensive end Alex Brown has been released by the Chicago Bears, the team announced Thursday via press release. The move isn't really surprising, considering the team acquired high-priced defensive end Julius Peppers earlier in the offseason, and last week announced they are moving Israel Idonije to end to take advantage of what appears to be a wealth of talent at defensive tackle.

Brown, 30, has played his entire eight-year career for the Bears, after being a fourth-round draft pick out of Florida. He's never been to the Pro Bowl (was an alternate twice), but he's still an above average player. He recorded 43 1/2 sacks, 55 tackles for losses, 5 interceptions, 16 forced fumbles, 11 fumble recoveries and blocked three kicks during his time in Chicago.

Just because the move isn't surprising doesn't mean it's a good one. In fact, this appears to be an awful decision on the surface. With Peppers taking attention away from the other side, Brown could have thrived and had the best season of his career. Idonije is clearly better suited to play the inside, and there are still plenty of questions about the tackles the Bears love so much. The pass rusher will be Mark Anderson, and he's regressed since a great rookie season (he had 12 sacks in 2006 and has just 9 1/2 combined since then).

Share The Bears may be able to shift things around and not miss Brown much. It's possible, I'm just not seeing it. Someone else is going to get their hands on a quality defensive end who is a great locker room guy in terms of being a good teammate and leader.

In fact, check out this quote from the Chicago Tribune.