Chicago Bears Free Agency News: TE Manumaleuna Released, Greg Olsen to Stay?
Published by Jake Perper on July 28, 2011
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears have reportedly released TE Brandon Manumaleuna and his monster contract that he signed last offseason.
This move makes sense considering Manumaleuna was not at all what the Bears thought they got when they signed him.
He signed a five-year, $15 million deal last offseason, but Manumaleuna wasn’t the blocking tight end they desired. He reeled only five passes for 43 yards and one touchdown in 16 games last season.
He was known as the “best” blocking tight end in the league when the Bears brought him in, but the Bears added Matt Spaeth today and he will likely take over as the blocking tight end.
What does this mean for Greg Olsen?
All the rumors about Olsen being traded could easily be false now that the Bears dumped Manumaleuna. Olsen, Spaeth and Davis will likely be the three tight ends the Bears have on the roster this season.
It’s a smart move to keep Olsen considering he is one of the better tight ends in the league. Plus, he commands double teams which could help out the other tight ends or other receivers in Mike Martz’s offense.
I know Mike Martz doesn’t like to use tight ends as anything more than a blocker, but Greg Olsen is an above average receiver and a much improved blocker. Honestly if he can’t figure out how to use Olsen, he would be considered a waste of a first-round pick. Martz is smart enough to figure out how to use Olsen.
In other news:
The Bears were said to be interested in WR/KR Brad Smith, but he will be heading to the Buffalo Bills after receiving a four-year deal worth $15 million.
Keep reading Bearsbacker.com for more info on each Bears move.
For more news on Twitter, follow @Bearsbacker.
Read more Chicago Bears news on BleacherReport.com
