Bears Release Terrell Lewis, Sign Three New Players in Initial Post-Cutdown Day Roster Changes
The Bears initiated their post-cutdown day roster adjustments with an unanticipated action.
NBC Sports Chicago confirmed through a source that the Bears have let go of defensive end Terrell Lewis, initially reported by NFL Media's Tom Pelissero. In a related move, Pelissero also indicated that the Bears picked up defensive end Khalid Kareem off waivers from the Indianapolis Colts.
The decision to release Lewis comes as a surprise, given his standout performance in training camp and a fruitful preseason, where he recorded five pressures, three sacks, and two forced fumbles in three games.
During joint practices with the Colts, the Bears had the opportunity to evaluate Kareem closely. The 25-year-old, a Notre Dame alumnus, registered six pressures and a sack in a preseason game against the Bears, according to Pro Football Focus. Across three preseason games, Kareem accumulated 11 pressures, three sacks, six tackles, and eight stops.
Starting his NFL career with the Cincinnati Bengals, Kareem spent two seasons there before moving to the Colts last year. Over three seasons, he has generated 16 pressures and a sack from 221 pass-rushing snaps.
Due to their league-worst record last year, the Bears currently hold the No. 1 position in the waiver order. Kareem was not their sole acquisition.
NFL Media's Ian Rapoport reported that the Bears also claimed defensive back Quindell Johnson off waivers from the Los Angeles Rams and added wide receiver Trent Taylor to the active roster. Johnson, an undrafted rookie safety from Memphis, allowed five completions on seven targets for 88 yards across three preseason games for the Rams, recording one pass breakup and a sack.
The addition of Taylor is a logical move for the Bears. With Dante Pettis on injured reserve and Velus Jones Jr. underperforming, the team needed a seasoned and dependable punt returner. Taylor led the NFL in punt returns over 20 yards last season.
As of now, the Bears haven't disclosed the corresponding roster moves for Johnson and Taylor.
| POLL | ||
30 AOUT | 40 ANSWERS Bears Release Terrell Lewis, Sign Three New Players in Initial Post-Cutdown Day Roster Changes Are you happy with these moves? | ||
| Yes | 22 | 55 % |
| No | 18 | 45 % |
| List of polls | ||
