Edinger, McQuarters Kicked to Curb

By Benjy Lipsman in News on May 25, 2005 3:08AM

The Bears released two veteran players this week, granting Paul Edinger's request to be released while also parting ways with cornerback R.W. R.W. McQuarters.

Following the Bears' recent signing of former Jets kicker Doug Brien, Edinger made it clear he wanted no part of a "kick off" to win the job and had asked to be released. Edinger has already signed with the Minnestoa Vikings, the same team who tried to get him in 2003 by singing him to a big offer sheet that the Bears chose to match.

Meanwhile, despite no interest in R. Dub when Bears GM Jerry Angelo shoped him around the league, McQuarters also has teams expressing interest in his services already. A visit to Washington is already scheduled and Miami is interested as well. By waiting for his release, they could offer a smaller contract and wouldn't have to provide anything in return. The Bears expect second year CB Nathan Vasher to fill R. Dub's role on defense while Bernard Berrian might handle punt returns.

While the media keeps harping on McQuarters confrontation with Lovie Smith at a December practice as a reason he's gone, Chicagoist thinks it was purely about the money. He was owed over $3 million this season, and Vasher proved his worth as a rookie last year. He lead the team in picks and he's still only slated as the 3rd CB behind Peanut Tillmand and Jerry Azumah. So why not free up some salary cap room to fill other needs?