The trend of NFL teams releasing players before free agency continued on Monday with the Chicago Bears making a move on the defensive side of the ball. With the team looking to create some cap space, they've released cornerback Buster Skrine, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Bears are releasing veteran CB Buster Skrine, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 1, 2021
Buster Skrine has spent the past two seasons with the Bears and has quietly been one of the best nickel cornerbacks in the league. Prior to joining Chicago ahead of the 2019 season, Skrine spent four seasons each with the Cleveland Browns and the New York Jets.
In his two years with the Bears, Skrine accumulated 114 tackles, three forced fumbles, and eight pass breakups. Even though he didn't log an interception in his two-year tenure in the Windy City, Skrine was a reliable cover corner in the slot.
With the salary cap expected to be slightly lower for teams across the NFL due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some teams are attempting to get ahead of the curve by releasing players. With the release of Skrine, the Bears have opened up $2.7 million in cap space.
The emergence of Jaylon Johnson in 2020, likely led to Chicago feeling comfortable parting ways with Skrine. Also, Skrine is turning 32-years-old in April, leading the Bears to take a more youthful approach.
The positive aspect from Skrine's perspective is that by being released now, he can get a head start on choosing his new team before free agency starts. Skrine isn't going to be the last veteran to be released by the Bears or other teams in the coming weeks.
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