Thread: Bears cut Gholston (4 others)

I don't know why they are backtracking on Chester, they can't get any value for him.

Taylor meets with Bears on status; Gholston cut


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Running back Chester Taylor has been told he will be released. (Brian Cassella/Tribune Photo)

By Brad Biggs and Vaughn McClure Tribune reporters 2:05 p.m. CDT, August 29, 2011


The status of Chester Taylor remained murky Monday after the Bears running back was told in the morning that he wasn't in the team's plans, but his agent later received a call from the team saying his client had not been released.
Taylor arrived at Halas Hall on Monday afternoon and said he was going to meet with team officials.
Asked about his status, Taylor told the Tribune, "I don't know. I'm going to meet with them now."


Story: Davis to miss preseason finale; Hurd unsure of status

• • X
    Jarron Gilbert
    
    Lovie Smith
    
    Tennessee
    

Taylor's agent, Ken Sarnoff, had posted on his Twitter account that coach Lovie Smith had told the running back he was being released. "Chester thanks the Bears and their fans and wishes them well," Sarnoff tweeted.
Later, Sarnoff tweeted, "Here's a first for me - the Bears just called me and said they have NOT released Chester. He did talk with Lovie though...misunderstanding?"

Taylor's release has been expected after he was told before Saturday's preseason game at Tennessee that he would not play in that game.

The Bears did announce five roster moves to reduce to the 80-man limit before Tuesday's deadline.
Defensive end Vernon Gholston, a reclamation project, was waived. He received a $250,000 signing bonus. Also let go were defensive tackle Tank Tyler and three undrafted college free agents: quarterback Trevor Vittatoe, center J.C. Brignone and linebacker Tanner Antle.

In a change in the way they used to do business, the Bears released third-round draft pick Jarron Gilbert a year ago after only one season with the club. In the past, you wouldn’t see the Bears make tough decisions on high draft picks and high-priced free agents so quickly.

Taylor, who earned $7 million last season, will become an unrestricted free agent if he is released. The Bears did not play him Saturday night at Tennessee because they did not want him to become injured and then be on the hook for his base salary of $1.25 million this season. If released, he should find work with the number of teams needing veteran help at the position.

Taylor has a durable track record, but as expected the Bears have not been able to squeeze a draft pick out of anyone for him.

Fortunately for the Bears, both Taylor and Manumaleuna had big roster bonuses last season, meaning the cap hit moving forward for both players is reduced.

Taylor earned more than half of his $12.5 million deal in 2010. He was replaced by Marion Barber this summer, and Kahlil Bell is expected to make the team as the third running back if Taylor doesn't return.

"It’s always sad to see a fellow running back leave,’’ Bell said, although he admitted not talking to Taylor on Monday to confirm the news. "I wouldn’t say I’m happy about it. I don’t think anybody is. At the same time, all I can control is what I can control. That’s all I plan on doing, is going out there and do the best I can do.''

Here are how the contracts for Taylor and Manumaleuna broke down:

Chester Taylor

2010
$2 million signing bonus
$955,000 base salary
$4 million roster bonus
$45,000 workout bonus
Total: $7.0 million

2011
$1.25 million base salary
$25,000 workout bonus
Total: $1.275 million

2012
$1.75 million base salary
$25,000 workout bonus
Total: $1.775 million

2013
$2.425 million base salary
$25,000 workout bonus
Total: $2.45 million
Contract total: $12.5 million, four seasons

($750k cap hit for unamortized SB - $1.25mil salary= +$500k to cap and +$1.25 mil to cash position.)

Brandon Manumaleuna

2010
$2 million signing bonus
$1.055 million base salary
$3 million roster bonus
$50,000 workout bonus
Total: $6.105 million

2011
$1.495 million base salary
$1 million roster bonus
$100,000 workout bonus
Total: $2.595 million

2012
$1.95 million base salary
$100,000 workout bonus
Total: $2.05 million

2013
$2 million base salary
$100,000 workout bonus
Total: $2.1 million

2014
$2.05 million base salary
$100,000 workout bonus
Total: $2.15 million
Contract total: $15 million, five seasons

($750k cap hit for unamortized SB - $1.495 mil = +$745k to cap + $1.495 mil cash position)



Copyright © 2011, Chicago Tribune
chi-bears-release-rb-chester-taylor-20110829
4.52 from 21 ratings

Originally Posted by Slipscreen

with his awesome 4 whole touchdowns last year? or maybe you were talking about the 3 he had last year. yep threat to score.

Roy Williams only had five!!!!!!! WTF are you talking about? Do you think Roy Williams is more of a threat to score with the ball in his hands than Devin Hester, or Johnny Knox? Is that what you're telling me? LMFAO!!!!!!! Yeah, if the entire game is played inside the opponents 20 yard line and then only because he has 3"-4" on each of them.

Statistically Roy Williams has the worst hands in the NFL not to mention his lack of catches versus the number of times he's thrown to. Only there he's not the worst.......just third worst. LOL

Rwill has a one year, cheap contract. He can be cut, but I don't think he will.

We're picking back up pool jumper once he's cut aren't we lol