Garrett Wolfe carries the ball against the Lions last season. (Jose M. Osorio / Tribune)
By Brad Biggs
The Bears have finalized their 53-man roster, and it's the same list the Tribune compiled earlier in the day.
Running backs Garrett Wolfe and Kahlil Bell will both make the final roster. Both have the ability to be solid contributors on special teams, an area that is taking a hit as the team released linebacker Tim Shaw.
For the first time in a long time, draft picks were not given preferred treatment. The team is parting ways with its top two picks from 2009 -- defensive lineman Jarron Gilbert and wide receiver Juaquin Iglesias. Also being released is guard/center Josh Beekman, a fourth-round pick in 2007 who should find work quickly.
General manager Jerry Angelo said Thursday night that the team would not keep four quarterbacks, so rookie Dan LeFevour will be released with a possibility of him returning on the practice squad. No official confirmation on LeFevour has been made available.
The list of released players include tight end Richard Angulo, offensive linemen James Marten, Levi Horn, Tim Walter and Edwin Williams, H-back Eddie Williams and wide receiver Greg Mathews. On the defensive side, linemen Mick Williams and Barry Turner, linebackers Kevin Malast and Kelvin Smith and defensive backs Al Afalava, Cornelius Brown, Quentin Scott, Woodny Turenne and Aaron Webster.
Here's the 53-man roster:
QB (3): Jay Cutler, Todd Collins, Caleb Hanie
RB (4): Matt Forte, Chester Taylor, Kahlil Bell, Garrett Wolfe
WR (5): Johnny Knox, Devin Hester, Devin Aromashodu, Rashied Davis, Earl Bennett
TE (4): Greg Olsen, Brandon Manumaleuna, Desmond Clark, Kellen Davis
OL (8): Chris Williams, Roberto Garza, Olin Kreutz, Lance Louis, Frank Omiyale, Kevin Shaffer, J'Marcus Webb, Johan Asiata
DL (9): Julius Peppers, Tommie Harris, Anthony Adams, Israel Idonije, Mark Anderson, Matt Toeaina, Henry Melton, Marcus Harrison, Corey Wootton
LB (6): Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, Pisa Tinoisamoa, Hunter Hillenmeyer, Nick Roach, Brian Iwuh
CB (6): Charles Tillman, Zack Bowman, Corey Graham, D.J, Moore, Tim Jennings, Josh Moore
S (5): Chris Harris, Danieal Manning, Major Wright, Craig Steltz, Josh Bullocks
SPEC (3): Robbie Gould, Pat Mannelly, Brad Maynard
The list of released players include tight end Richard Angulo, offensive linemen James Marten, Levi Horn, Tim Walter and Edwin Williams, H-back Eddie Williams and wide receiver Greg Mathews. On the defensive side, linemen Mick Williams and Barry Turner, linebackers Kevin Malast and Kelvin Smith and defensive backs Al Afalava, Cornelius Brown, Quentin Scott, Woodny Turenne and Aaron Webster.
Here's the 53-man roster:
QB (3): Jay Cutler, Todd Collins, Caleb Hanie
RB (4): Matt Forte, Chester Taylor, Kahlil Bell, Garrett Wolfe
WR (5): Johnny Knox, Devin Hester, Devin Aromashodu, Rashied Davis, Earl Bennett
TE (4): Greg Olsen, Brandon Manumaleuna, Desmond Clark, Kellen Davis
OL (8): Chris Williams, Roberto Garza, Olin Kreutz, Lance Louis, Frank Omiyale, Kevin Shaffer, J'Marcus Webb, Johan Asiata
DL (9): Julius Peppers, Tommie Harris, Anthony Adams, Israel Idonije, Mark Anderson, Matt Toeaina, Henry Melton, Marcus Harrison, Corey Wootton
LB (6): Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, Pisa Tinoisamoa, Hunter Hillenmeyer, Nick Roach, Brian Iwuh
CB (6): Charles Tillman, Zack Bowman, Corey Graham, D.J, Moore, Tim Jennings, Josh Moore
S (5): Chris Harris, Danieal Manning, Major Wright, Craig Steltz, Josh Bullocks
SPEC (3): Robbie Gould, Pat Mannelly, Brad Maynard
The offense is still vanilla, wait for the strawberry ice cream offense.
not to excuse JA but there was no way he could have known about adams heart condition...its something they dont look for in physicals...i dont blame him for that...2nd round pick for a avg de with potential when the market for former first round flameouts was around 5th rounders is inexcusable for me
and i get the marinelli hire...he's well versed in the defense is a rah rah kinda meatballs man man im going to yell at you until you get it right kind of guy...
he never should have been coaching the lions...but he wasnt given much to work with there...he's an ok coach...3rd down efficiency is a problem with the DB's, more times often than not the safties not being where they should be after the CB releases them...which is an indictment of JA moreso than the scheme or coaching
and again shaw offers you absolutely nothing of value on defense...at least wolfe can give you a screen or something every once in awhile...Iwuh is the better defensive player and the better ST's player...which is why Iwuh has now in 2 consecutive years taken shaw's job
theres plenty of things that illustrate front office ineptitude...cutting shaw and keepting iwuh and wolfe aint it...
Next year, Jay Cutler will be working with his fourth Offensive Coordinator in four years. This organization is poorly managed. A Team President with no background in football. A GM who trades a 2nd round pick for someone with a serious medical condition. An 0-16 Defensive Coordinator. Michael and Brian McCaskey are lurking in the shadows...... The Jacksonville Jaguars are struggling with attendance/season ticket sales. The AFC and their TV outlet would love to have the 2nd largest market in their Conference, instead of some small market like Jacksonville. It would be a smart political move by the Mayor to lobby for the Jags to move up here.
With four running backs to choose from we should be able to establish some sort of running game for each game we play. If one running backs style is not working we simply put one of the other three running backs in until we figure out which of the four running backs style gives us the best results. We have to establish our running game to keep Cutler from having to make decisions in the passing game. Cutler does not know where his receivers are suppose to be in Coach Martz's offense. Come on Bears Run Run and Run some more and then open up on the opposition with Knox,Hester, and Olsen etc etc. Run the ball down loser Detroit's throat and then pass their heads off. Let's Go Bears!! Victory is Ours!! Hail to the mighty GRIZZLY!!! A Wolfe the Bears gave you a chance now run the ball as if your ass is on fire and you are trying to get to a tub of water. They gave up Tim Shaw to keep you, now lets produce some BIG numbers. Remember Wolfe your ass is on fire and the tub of water is in Detroit's end zone.
So why exactly is it a better thing to have both Kahlil Bell and Garrett Wolfe for special teams, when we could have had a linebacker...you know, someone who is trained how to tackle someone?
What this tells me is that Martz has more pull than Marinelli and Toub in the meeting rooms....It is entirely possible that one of the backs will be inactive every week, which makes this a worthless move either way, but I would rather have more linebackers available for special teams than running backs. It should be interesting when they start setting up the practice squad. I bet 2-3 OL, a couple of LBs, Barry Turner, and a WR or two...Iglesias perhaps? I don't know if he is eligible, since he was on the 53 man roster all year, just didn't get active until the end of the season. Gilbert has the same situation, but I don't know if they will keep him around. I think a 3-4 team might try him out, like Buffalo, where they are awfully thin on the DL.
I guess we'll see on Sunday how it works out. I am betting on "not so well", and we will be starting over next season with a new staff.
I see multiple negative predictions. Bears could go 6-10 to 10-6 and even possibly make the playoffs, depending upon health and how the new Martz offense works out. Defense should be solid this year (if healthy).
Not too bad on roster selection. Would have ditched Garrett Wolfe to keep Josh Beekman though. That was stupid. Cutler needs all the blocking he can get.
Tripper on September 4, 2010 8:34 PM
"Guess what? Jason McKie got cut by the Saints! You all threw Jerry and Co. under the bus for that one too. You people need educated before you start ripping into the management of this franchise! That's the problem with this country, too many uneducated, big mouthed, know-it-alls with no clue. They see these players everyday, every practice, and every meeting! They know! Go Bears!"
If they know why did they draft them in the first place? Did they draft them to cut them, 6 1st and 2nd round picks remain on the roster from over the last 7 years. Lowest in the NFL. Their is a reason they trade and sign so many FA or starters from other teams. Goon, Peppers, Tait, Cutler, Garza, Brown, Gould, Maynard, Omiyale, Pace, Miller, St. Clair, AA, Adams DE, Lloyd, DA, Harris FS, Pisa, etc...
Add in key players like Urlacher, Mike Brown and Olin who pre-date Angelo and he has not hit on to many starters and blue chip players are very rare on his list. So are you sure they know what they are doing? 2 playoff apperances in 6 years says maybe not.
Never mind. I just read on the Sun Times' site that Garza is the backup center.
So, Beekman gets cut. Who replaces Olin if he gets hurt? Ignorance here.
wolfe will hardly ever see the field so his skills as a running back shouldnt even be brought up...he does have real value as a special teams player and his contributions on ST was what kept him around...
stop bringing shaw into the debate...hes a terrible defender...he offers absolutely no value on defense...his ST production can and will be replaced...by the same guy who replaced him LAST year...
Bears Fan in Kansas,
Are we allowed to watch any NFL from the '84-'85 era on YouTube?
I thought those images were the broadcasting rights of the NFL, therefore not allowed on YouTube without the express written consent of the Chicago Bears or (imagine hearing the nasal tones of Howard Cosell) "...the Na-tion-al Foot-ball League."
But I do agree with you on the bad season and that (if viewable) the other seasons would be much better viewing!
5wins
Garrett Wolfe should not have made the team. He has not demonstrated any abilities to make plays. He is over matched in pass protection.
Why did not Angelo draft or sign good Offensive Linemen. Unbelievable.
4-12 is a possibility.
I will be watching highlights of 1984-1985 Bears on youtube instead this year.
Guess what? Jason McKie got cut by the Saints! You all threw Jerry and Co. under the bus for that one too. You people need educated before you start ripping into the management of this franchise! That's the problem with this country, too many uneducated, big mouthed, know-it-alls with no clue. They see these players everyday, every practice, and every meeting! They know! Go Bears!
Maybe the logic behind releasing Shaw is this: in order for him to be productive (make tackles on special teams), the offense would have to SCORE. Granted, he could still be busy on punts, but deep pass interceptions work just as well, right?
Geez, this managment and coaching staff continues to find new ways to leave me dismayed.
Hey Naysayers and Disbelievers, I won't listen to one negative thing you losers say. You all said the Bears were fools for cutting Nathan Vasher........I told you all, the Chargers just cut Nathan Vasher!! Look it up in the archives. I told you he wouldn't make the Chargers final roster! You should all appologize to Jerry, Lovie, and all the rest of the organization for dogging them for cutting Vasher! Hahaha
The Grand Poohbah
"I bleed burnt orange and midnight blue and I really hope for the best. I was born and raised in Chicago to worship my BEARS. The NFC North is very tough and Detroit really wants to shake off years of embarassment. God be with my BEARS and may they be well prepared to do battle and be victorious."
Hmmm you tell them Grand Poo, but a couple of minor corrections. First they are not Bears they are the Chicago Bears. Second while you may bleed Midnight blue, some us bleed Dark Navy Blue the actual color of the Bears Jersey and their official color along you did get Burnt Orange right, so kudos to you. Third I am pretty sure god does not pick one team over the other. And finally the Bears do not engage in battle, the compete in a sport. Soldiers engage in battle, Marines engage in battle and Sailors engage in battle.
But hey you have a good day because now you actually know the team colors, so you should be happy. Take at easy on us super fan maybe if the team was yours you could change the colors to midnight blue and Burnt orange.
One City.
One Team.
One more year of this s**t.
Make this the last season of Jerry and Lovie and then they are gone.
Everybody who is jumping off the bandwagon good riddance and don't come back
Speechless. I don't have anything to say because I can't even watch preseason without seeing a million players who get axed in the end. I don't know why the Bears don't release Hanie but o.k. we could anytime.
Wolfe deserves to make this team. He is a beast on ST & could be a productive runner if they gave him a chance.
Oh, so Brian Iwuh is going to set a special teams tackling record this year. Shaw was the man. Bears kept the wrong guy for sure.
To "Kevin from Clifton" and "Max",
Please learn how to spell. Throwing away money and time on Bears season tickets is a WASTE of time. Also, the running back that wears number 25 on the Bears is Garrett WOLFE.
When reading comments, misusing a word or misspelling the name of the player that's in the headline renders all of your points moot.
It's one thing to have a sucky football team, it's another to have sucky fans.
I bleed burnt orange and midnight blue and I really hope for the best. I was born and raised in Chicago to worship my BEARS. The NFC North is very tough and Detroit really wants to shake off years of embarassment. God be with my BEARS and may they be well prepared to do battle and be victorious.
I bleed burnt orange and midnight blue and I really hope for the. Born and raised in Chicago to worship my BEARS. The NFC North is very tough and Detroit really wants to shake off years of embarassment. God be with my BEARS and may they be well prepared to do battle and be victorious.
WHEN are the Bears going to cut Jerry Angelo?
WHEN?
I'm sorry, did you say Jennings DID make the roster...HE CAN'T TACKLE !!! He just sucks, nice job idiots, last year with Angelo...PRICELESS !
I guest the Bears are following the logic Wolfe maybe able to both cover kick offs as well as return punts lets hope that works out. Trust me Shaw will find work, and it maybe with an NFC North rival
What the heck! Beekman should be the starting Center. Wolfe would not make any NFL roster but the Bears. Buying my season tickets is a waist of Money and Time.
Top 2 picks from the 2009 draft already cut without a single start between them. Wow, Angelo you're hitting a new low!!
Gerry-Lovie administration vs. Obama administration. Discuss the eerie similarities and breathtaking ineptitude.
So much for development. It's time to win now for Angello and Lovie.
Both of these guys would not make any other roster in the NFL. I just do not understand what the Bears thinking is sometimes. You can understand why they will probably end up 3-13 this year.
If this is how it turns out, it is pretty much what I could have predicted weeks ago. The only minor surprise to me is that Beekman and Gilbert are cut, and they decided to keep 6 corners instead of an extra OL & DL. I wonder if they will try to get Gilbert on the practice squad. It seems it would be worth giving him one more year.
Why worry, we have Jay Cutler, Mike Martz and Brian Urlacher. Super Bowl...No problem. Cash in your retirement fund, sell your home, liquidate your assets and bet it all on DA BEARS. 19-0 and Super Bowl...Take it to the bank. Lovie and Angelo will be rewarded with 10 year deals. Note to NFL, SURRENDER to DA Bears.
Why not keep Shaw and cut Wolfe. He is one of the best defensive weapons the Bears have. He actually tackles runners.
6-10 if we're lucky