Chicago Bears

Bears release veteran OT Jermon Bushrod

Published Feb. 16, 2016 5:57 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Chicago Bears announced the release of veteran offensive tackle Jermon Bushrod on Tuesday.

Via the Bears' official Twitter account:

#Bears have released veteran LT Jermon Bushrod.
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) February 16, 2016

Bushrod, 31, played the past three seasons with the Bears and started 34 games at left tackle. Injuries caught up to him early in 2015, opening the door for 2014 seventh-round draft pick Charles Leno Jr. to take over his role in the starting lineup.

Before Bushrod joined the Bears in 2013, he was a two-time Pro Bowler with the New Orleans Saints. They originally drafted him out of Towson with a fourth-round pick in 2007.

Bushrod is clearly on the decline, but some team may take a flyer on him in free agency with a contract at or near the veteran minimum.