The Chicago Bears have released defensive end Alex Brown, the team announced Thursday, after reportedly trying to trade him.
The move didn't come as a surprise to Brown, who had posted a farewell message on his Twitter page the previous day.
"I am extremely grateful for my time as a Chicago Bear and I wish the Bears the best," Brown said Wednesday. "I am glad that they gave me an opportunity to realize a dream I had as a child. I appreciate the fans but as we all know this is the nature of the business. Bear down!"
Brown, 30, has spent all eight of his NFL seasons with the Bears, who selected him in the fourth round of the 2002 draft. He started 107 of 127 games, recording 43.5 sacks, five interceptions and 16 forced fumbles, but he probably become expendable after the Bears signed five-time Pro Bowl defensive end Julius Peppers on the first day of free agency.
The Chicago Tribune reported last week that the Bears were trying to trade Brown -- a scenario that likely was made difficult by the $5 million remaining on his contract next season.
With Brown gone, Mark Anderson, who had a strong rookie season in 2006 with 12 sacks, now could be a starter. The Bears also intend to move Israel Idonije from tackle to defensive end.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
