Left tackle Orlando Pace, tight end Fontel Mines and guad Tyler Reed were all released by the Bears this evening.

Pace started the first 11 games of the season at left tackle until sustaining a groin injury. But when he came back, he was only the swing tackle for first-round choice Chris Williams and Kevin Schaffer at right tackle. Pace showed promise in the first few games of the season but eventually became ineffective. He was an excellent pass protector but contributed to what was one of the worst rushing attacks in the league.

Although Pace did not live up to expectations,he has had an amazing career, a sure Hall of Fame player and is well respected by the Bears and others in the league. We'll wait to see if he plans to retire or not after the somewhat expected departure.

Mines and Reed both spent time on the practice squad but never saw the field.