(670 The Score) The Bears released veteran guard Nate Davis on Wednesday morning.
Davis fell out of favor with the Bears this season. He lost his starting job at right guard in September and has been a healthy scratch on several occasions. Davis wasn’t present with the team at Soldier Field during the Bears’ 19-3 loss to the Patriots this past Sunday after being added to the injury report about three hours prior to kickoff with a back issue.
The 28-year-old Davis was in the second season of a three-year, $30-million deal that he signed in March 2023. He started just 13 games across his one-and-a-half seasons with the Bears.
During his tenure with the Bears, Davis wasn’t consistently available to practice and play, and his effort was privately called into question by the coaching staff, sources said.
Davis refuted the notion that he doesn't give his full effort.
"No, not at all (fair),” Davis said in August. “I've been in this league for a long time. I don't think I really do what I do without practicing. Stuff happens, but you got to continue to perform."
Davis earned nearly $20 million in guaranteed money as part of his three-year deal.
The timing of Davis' release comes as the Bears sort through their own struggles in a three-game losing streak. The collective effort of the team has been called into question by current players.
On Tuesday, the Bears fired first-year offensive coordinator Shane Waldron after just nine games. Now, the accountability seems to have shifted to the roster.
The Bears (4-5) will host the Packers (6-3) on Sunday at Soldier Field.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.