The Chicago Bears signed veteran tight end Gerald Everett in free agency last year because of his experience playing for offensive coordinator Shane Waldron.
Neither addition worked out particularly well, and the team informed both Everett and defensive end DeMarcus Walker on Friday that their contracts will be terminated with one year remaining.
The Bears signed Everett to a two-year, $12 million contract and envisioned him as a weapon for quarterback Caleb Williams in the passing game, but the plan never worked. By releasing Everett, the Bears add $5.5 million in salary-cap space.
The 30-year-old Walker, who signed a three-year, $21 million contract in 2023, was due to earn $5.2 million this year. His release clears another $5.25 million in cap space, pushing the Bears’ total to nearly $80 million with free agency approaching March 12.
Everett, also 30, played a season-high 34 snaps in the season-opening victory over the Tennessee Titans, catching one pass for minus-1 yard. It was an odd start for Waldron as Everett was on the field more than Cole Kmet, who signed a four-year, $50 million extension in July 2023.
That misusage was quickly corrected, but the Bears never found a way to get Everett involved and Kmet’s opportunities in the passing game were too few as the season unfolded.
Everett finished the season with only eight receptions for 36 yards and one first down. It’s hard to remember a free-agent signing that was more miscast in recent years. He had averaged 52.3 catches and 481.3 yards over the previous three seasons, but whatever vision Waldron — who was fired midseason — had for Everett never was realized.
The Bears figure to be in the market for at least one tight end and quite possibly two this offseason to pair with Kmet. The Detroit Lions — with new Bears coach Ben Johnson as offensive coordinator — operated out of 12 personnel (one running back, two wide receivers, two tight ends) 32.2% of the time last season, the third-highest percentage in the NFL behind the Las Vegas Raiders (35.5%) and Kansas City Chiefs (33.9%), according to Sumer Sports. In comparison, the Bears ranked 19th at 19.1%.
Johnson has said he won’t drop his Lions playbook on the desk at Halas Hall, instead building a system specific to the Bears personnel. But they will need options at tight end to be versatile in the passing and running games. This year’s draft is considered a solid one at the position.
The Bears also will be in the market for help on the defensive line — at both end and tackle. They didn’t have a consistent force opposite Montez Sweat last season, although Walker wasn’t signed with the idea he would be a top-tier edge rusher.
Walker had 47 tackles (seven for a loss) and 3½ sacks last season. He totaled 30 tackles and 3½ sacks in 2023.
By releasing Everett and Walker early, the Bears give them a head start on finding their next teams.
