The Bears released Nate Davis on Wednesday, ending a year-and-a-half pairing in which the high-paid guard missed games and practices, much to the frustration of his bosses.
The Bears gave the former Titans guard a three-year, $30 million contract — with $19.25 million guaranteed — in March 2023. The Bears are on the hook for the rest of Davis’ salary this season, offset by whatever a team pay him as a free agent, if he’s signed at all this year.
Davis did not attend some voluntary workouts in 2023, which raised the eyebrows of many around Halas Hall, given the large financial investment the team made in him. He missed games because of a death in the family as well as ankle and groin problems. He leaves the Bears having appeared in only 16 out of a possible 26 games.
Davis’ practice participation — or lack of it — frustrated the Bears. In August, coach Matt Eberflus broke from his stance of siding with Davis publicly after the guard missed more extended practice time.
“People say you can’t lose a job because of injury,” he said. “I don’t think that’s true.”
Davis was a healthy scratch by the middle of this season. The Bears were willing to trade him before last week’s deadline, too, even if injuries to the rest of their offensive line made that complicated. Nothing came together.
Wednesday’s move comes three days after Davis was a surprise scratch after the team claimed he reported a back problem on Sunday morning despite not being on the injury report all week. The team made him inactive and was forced to play with only seven linemen.
Davis’ release was also made possible by the return of guard Ryan Bates, who was activated from injured reserve Saturday and started the Patriots game.