The Bears are releasing veteran OLB Sam Acho, an expected move that will create roughly $2 million in cap relief.
Acho, 30, suffered a season-ending torn pectoral muscle in Week 4 after signing a two-year, $5.5 million deal last spring on the heels of his best of four years with the team in 2017. Acho was the Bears' NFLPA rep, key special-teams stalwart and top reserve outside linebacker under contract, with Aaron Lynch expected to hit the open market when the new league year opens March 13. Acho also was among the Bears' most active members in the community and was on the team's nine-person social-justice committee to raise money for various nonprofit organizations throughout the city.