Bears release Heisman finalist Jordan Lynch, 4 others

The Chicago Bears have announced their first batch of final cuts, waiving rookie running back Jordan Lynch and terminating the contracts of four veterans: wide receiver Armanti Edwards, tight end Jeron Mastrud, offensive tackle Dennis Roland and interior offensive lineman Robert Turner.

Lynch is coming off his final collegiate season at Northern Illinois in which he was named a finalist for the Heisman Trophy as the team's quarterback after throwing for 2,892 yards and running for 1,920 more, combining for 47 total touchdowns.

An undrafted free agent, Lynch was trying to make the Bears' roster as a running back.

Edwards is a collegiate star in his own right, the catalyst behind Appalachian State's upset win over Michigan in 2008. The four-year veteran will now look to catch on with his fourth team as a pro.