Bears release Tucker

Mr. Laz · 04-19-2005, 10:36 AM

Bears release Tucker
April 19, 2005

The question was when, not if, the Bears would release Rex Tucker.

General manager Jerry Angelo chose Monday to cut Tucker loose before June 1, meaning the Bears will carry $2.57 million in dead space against the salary cap this season because of the injury-maligned guard. Had they waited six weeks to make the move, Tucker would have counted about $642,000 this season and $1.9 million in 2006.

While he was one of the hardest-working players on the roster, Tucker couldn't stay healthy after signing a seven-year, $20 million contract in August 2002 with a $4.5 million signing bonus. Separate ankle injuries that year and in 2003 wiped him out, a dislocated elbow in training camp derailed him last summer and a hamstring injury in December forced him to injured reserve for the third straight year. In all, the 28-year-old has missed 37 of the last 48 games after being a Pro Bowl alternate in '01.

Veteran Ruben Brown took Tucker's spot at left guard last season, and Terrence Metcalf currently tops the depth chart at right guard. Metcalf signed his one-year tender offer for $656,000 Monday, and he's expected to be pushed by veteran Roberto Garza.

Angelo accomplished two things by releasing Tucker early. It's apparent he wants his book clean for 2006, when he might need room to rework contracts for cornerback Charles Tillman and weak-side linebacker Lance Briggs. He also has said he does not like to hold up veterans into June knowing he will cut them because it makes it tougher for them to find work. Brad Biggs

04-19-2005, 10:36 AM
Mr. Laz Don't Tease Me Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: KS Casino cash: $11047037	Bears release Tucker Bears release Tucker April 19, 2005 The question was when, not if, the Bears would release Rex Tucker. General manager Jerry Angelo chose Monday to cut Tucker loose before June 1, meaning the Bears will carry $2.57 million in dead space against the salary cap this season because of the injury-maligned guard. Had they waited six weeks to make the move, Tucker would have counted about $642,000 this season and $1.9 million in 2006. While he was one of the hardest-working players on the roster, Tucker couldn't stay healthy after signing a seven-year, $20 million contract in August 2002 with a $4.5 million signing bonus. Separate ankle injuries that year and in 2003 wiped him out, a dislocated elbow in training camp derailed him last summer and a hamstring injury in December forced him to injured reserve for the third straight year. In all, the 28-year-old has missed 37 of the last 48 games after being a Pro Bowl alternate in '01. Veteran Ruben Brown took Tucker's spot at left guard last season, and Terrence Metcalf currently tops the depth chart at right guard. Metcalf signed his one-year tender offer for $656,000 Monday, and he's expected to be pushed by veteran Roberto Garza. Angelo accomplished two things by releasing Tucker early. It's apparent he wants his book clean for 2006, when he might need room to rework contracts for cornerback Charles Tillman and weak-side linebacker Lance Briggs. He also has said he does not like to hold up veterans into June knowing he will cut them because it makes it tougher for them to find work. Brad Biggs
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