The Chicago Bears have released safety Eddie Jackson and offensive lineman Cody Whitehair, the team announced Thursday. Jackson and Whitehair were the team’s longest-tenured players.
The moves don’t come as a surprise considering both Jackson and Whitehair’s substantial cap hits of $18.14 million and $13.25 million, respectively.
The Bears freed up $21.71 million in salary cap space with the two moves. Jackson’s release cleared up $12.56 million with Whitehair’s release freeing up $9.15 million, per Over The Cap.
Jackson was drafted by Chicago in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL draft, where he quickly established himself as a playmaker. Jackson earned Pro Bowl honors in 2018 and 2019 and was first-team All-Pro in 2018. In seven seasons with the Bears, Jackson totaled 459 tackles, 15 interceptions, 44 pass breakups, 10 forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries, 14 tackles-for-loss and 2.0 sacks. He also scored six defensive touchdowns, which is tied for the third-most in franchise history.
Whitehair was selected by the Bears in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft, where he became a mainstay along the interior offensive line. Whitehair appeared in 124 games, including 118 starts, in eight seasons with Chicago. He spent his first three years at center before moving back to his natural guard position. Whitehair was named to the Pro Bowl in 2018.
Chicago was originally slated to have around $47 million in available cap space before free agency. Now, the Bears are projected to have $67 million in cap space — the third most in the NFL, per OTC — which gives them plenty to work with as they continue to build their roster.