After failing to trade veteran defensive end Alex Brown, the Bears ended up releasing him.

The Bears were unable to find a trading partner for Brown because of two factors, the first being that the league knew the Bears were heading toward releasing him. In his contract he was due to earn $5 million this season and was on the books for $5.5 million in 2011.

Brown, a fourth-round draft pick from Florida in 2002, was most proud of his streak of playing in 127 consecutive regular-season games. He departs having made 483 tackles, 43 1/2 sacks and five interceptions. Now Mark Anderson will have his second opportunity to replace Brown as a starter.

No matter how well Brown's predecessor does, nobody can bring the same intensity, leadership and post game savvyness. Although vastly underrated, Brown will always be one of the better players of this decade for the Bears and we he'll always remain a Bear at heart.

We wish him well where ever he goes.