Bears are releasing their starting left tackle |
The Chicago Bears have made some big moves this offseason.
According to multiple reports on Monday, the organization will be releasing starting left tackle Charles Leno. "My time in Chicago has officially come to an end," Leno posted on social media. "It’s a bittersweet day, but I am excited to see where this next chapter takes me." Leno was a starter the last seven seasons with the Bears, including a string of 93 straight starts. The Bears will save around $9 million by cutting the 29-year-old before June 1. Leno should find a few suitors for him because of his durability and age with the Panthers, Steelers, and Colts. The Bears traded up 13 spots for offensive lineman Teven Jenkins early in the second round (No. 39 overall), who had a first-round grade out of Oklahoma State. Jenkins will likely transition into a role with the Bears in the starting lineup early in his career. “We feel that his best fit is at either tackle spot for us,” Bears general manager Ryan Pace said Friday. “There’s plenty of left tackle tape, so we feel that he can play both tackle positions, and we’ve just got to sort through that.” 2014 7th round draft pick ???? 93 consecutive starts in the past 7 seasons with the team that I was drafted to.
I will always be rooting for the young guys to succeed in the league. That was me years ago. This is just part of the business. Thanks Bears fans ???
The #Bears will be releasing LT Charles Leno, who has been their starter the last seven seasons. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/3OWn9YxrGU
Thank you for everything, @CharlesLenoJr72. pic.twitter.com/7XeqdPXLQN
My time in Chicago has officially come to an end. It’s a bittersweet day but I am excited to see where this next chapter takes me. pic.twitter.com/XJbJbop1kD