Prince Amukamara, Taylor Gabriel Released by Bears

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Friday that the Chicago Bears will release wide receiver Taylor Gabriel and cornerback Prince Amukamara.

The Bears confirmed the releases in a tweet.

Gabriel, 29, caught 29 passes for 253 yards and four touchdowns in nine games last season. He notably caught six passes for 75 yards and three scores in a Week 3 game versus the Washington Redskins.

Concussions forced him to miss seven games last season, including the final five.  

Amukamara played and started 15 games for the Bears, amassing 53 tackles and 10 passes defended. He also forced one fumble. 

Per Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, the Bears created $12.5 million in cap space with the moves. He also broke down the team's potential contingency plans featuring players already on the roster before the team moves into free agency and the draft.

"The Bears don't have a clear replacement for Amukamara on the roster," Biggs wrote.

"They could consider Kevin Toliver, who is entering his third season, but the former undrafted free agent won't get the job without facing competition."

As for Gabriel, Biggs wrote the following:

"While the Bears have some young receivers who will compete for playing time, such as 2019 fourth-round pick Riley Ridley, they need a speed addition to the offense. Fortunately for them, it's a strong draft for wide receivers."

Although their tenures with the Bears have come to an end, both were widely respected, with Jon Greenberg of The Athletic tweeting:

"Whenever their NFL careers are over, Taylor Gabriel and Prince Amukamara will find other successes in life. Two great guys."

Gabriel has played six NFL seasons with the Cleveland Browns, Atlanta Falcons and Bears.

Amukamara began his career with the New York Giants in 2011 and played there through 2015. He spent one season with the Jacksonville Jaguars before moving to the Bears in 2017.