Bears Release Rolle, Slauson, Agree to Terms With Hoyer

The Bears have released veteran safety Antrel Rolle and veteran offensive guard Matt Slauson.

"We thank Matt and Antrel for the dedication and leadership they brought to our organization," Bears general manager Ryan Pace said. "Both men did everything we asked of them. Part of growing as a team is making difficult decisions like the ones we made today. We never take them lightly, given the respect we have for everyone who has put on a Bears uniform. We wish each of them the very best as they move forward."

Rolle, 33, played in just seven games last season because of ankle and knee injuries. Chicago placed him on injured reserve in December, after the safety suffered a serious knee injury on the practice field.

Rolle, who lasted only one season in Chicago, signed a three-year contract last offseason, but he collected all the guaranteed money ($4.9 million) in the first year of the deal. The Bears clear $2,718,750 worth of salary-cap space with the move.

It became obvious that Rolle's roster spot was in jeopardy when Chicago selected a pair of safeties, Miami's Deon Bush (fourth round) and William & Mary's DeAndre Houston-Carson (sixth round), on Day 3 of the draft. The same was true for Slauson after Chicago took Kansas State guard Cody Whitehair in the second round. That pick, along with the signing of former Arizona Cardinals right tackle Bobby Massie and several other additions, created a logjam on the line.

Bush worked out with Rolle, another former Hurricane, in South Florida during the offseason.

"I grew up watching Antrel Rolle, and while he was down here in Miami, I was working out with him, so he's kind of like a mentor to me," Bush said Saturday. "He's been in the league for a long time, and I want to be in the league for a long time, so there's a lot to learn from him. It's just great having another player from The U, being like a family, like a brotherhood, and it'll be great playing with him."

The Bears have agreed to terms with veteran quarterback Brian Hoyer on a one-year deal. The deal is worth $2 million, a source told ESPN's Adam Caplan.

Six teams expressed interest in Hoyer, who played one season in Cleveland under Bears offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains. The Bears pursued Hoyer because of the experience and leadership he brings to the backup quarterback spot behind incumbent starter Jay Cutler.

"I like that Dowell has been with him, has a lot of comfort with him," Bears general manager Ryan Pace said. "I've watched him play over the years. A very intelligent player. I know he's got a strong work ethic because we've got coaches that have been with him. I think he's a really good piece to add to the mix."

Chicago's other reserve quarterbacks, David Fales and Matt Blanchard, have yet to appear in a regular-season game. Since 2011, Cutler has missed 14 games due to injury.