The Chicago Bears announced Wednesday that they have released former Pro Bowl cornerback Nathan Vasher.
Vasher, selected in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft, spent six seasons with the Bears and made 19 interceptions, including eight in 2005 when he was picked for the Pro Bowl. Also that season, Vasher returned a missed field-goal attempt 108 yards for a touchdown that at the time was the longest play in NFL history.
However, Vasher's play dropped off the last several seasons, when he was slowed by groin and wrist injuries. Vasher was demoted from the starting lineup last season after yielding a game-winning 50-yard touchdown pass during the opener against the Green Bay Packers.
Vasher might have become expendable this week after the Bears signed free-agent cornerback Tim Jennings to a two-year contract. Starting cornerbacks Charles Tillman and Zack Bowman will return, and Corey Graham, D.J. Moore and Woodny Turenne also might compete for playing time.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
