Bears release Vasher
Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2010 8:30 pm
http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/20 ... asher.html
So much for the Bears taking veteran Nathan Vasher to training camp to see if they finally could get a return on the rich contract they gave him in the summer of 2007.
Less than 24 hours after signing veteran cornerback Tim Jennings to a two-year contract, the Bears bid goodbye Wednesday to the player coach Lovie Smith dubbed "The Interceptor" when he burst onto the scene with 13 interceptions in his first two seasons.
The former fourth-round draft pick from Texas became a starter midway through his rookie season in 2004 and was a Pro Bowler the next year when he made a team-high eight interceptions for one of the best defenses in the NFL. But after the 2006 Super Bowl season, Vasher's play dipped dramatically. Not before the popular teammate had cashed in with a $28 million, five-year extension.
Vasher, 28, earned the bulk of that money in 2007 and 2008 when injuries limited him to only 12 games. A groin muscle tear in 2007 in Week 3 vs. Dallas ruined that season. He required wrist surgery the next season. Vasher had bulked up to play the run better and lost some of his quickness. Later, he lost his confidence.