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Bears release Antrel Rolle, Matt Slauson

Joe Robbins / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Chicago Bears announced the release of safety Antrel Rolle and offensive lineman Matt Slauson on Saturday.

"We thank Matt and Antrel for the dedication and leadership they brought to our organization," Bears general manager Ryan Pace said in the team's official statement. "Both men did everything we asked of them. Part of growing as a team is making difficult decisions like the ones we made today. We never take them lightly given the respect we have for everyone who has put on a Bears uniform. We wish each of them the very best as they move forward."

Rolle's time with the Bears comes to an end after just one season. He started seven of the first nine games after joining the club on a 3-year free-agent deal, but a knee injury suffered in Week 10 forced him out and eventually to injured reserve.

Meanwhile, Slauson is coming off his third year in a Bears uniform. He started all 16 games at both guard and center in 2015, not missing a single snap.

Parting ways with the two veterans frees the Bears up to move forward with younger players at both positions, particularly those added in this weekend's draft.

Chicago used one of three fourth-round picks to scoop up Deon Bush and later doubled down with DeAndre Houston-Carson in the sixth round. Second-round pick Cody Whitehair provides a key addition to the offensive line, and he should be a favorite for a starting role early in his rookie season.

Rolle and Slauson now immediately hit the open market and will be free to sign elsewhere.

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