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Bears make shocking move, release DeMarcus Walker ahead of 2025 NFL free agency

Originally posted on Chicago Bears on SI | By Bryan Perez | Last updated Feb 21, 2025 3:25 PM ET

The Chicago Bears aren't wasting any time trimming fat from their salary cap ahead of the 2025 NFL free agency period.

First, veteran tight end Gerald Everett's contract was terminated . Now, defensive end DeMarcus Walker has been released.

The #Bears are releasing veteran DE DeMarcus Walker, sources say. A leader for Chicago who started all 17 games last season, the 30-year-old Walker heads to the market more than three weeks ahead of free agency. pic.twitter.com/nrt4NCMcHo
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 21, 2025

Walker's release frees up $5.25 in salary cap space, which, when added to the $5.5 million freed up with Gerald Everett's release, arms the Bears with an additional $10.75 million to spend on free agent offensive linemen like Trey Smith.

DeMarcus Walker started all 17 games for the Bears in 2024, totaling 47 tackles and an underwhelming 3.5 sacks. It was the second season in a row that he finished with that sack total, suggesting he reached his ceiling in Chicago.

Defensive end DeMarcus Walker will also be released by the #Bears. Combined with TE Gerald Everett, the two moves, which were not unexpected, create more than $10M in salary-cap space.
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) February 21, 2025