Bears waive good-bye to Vasher

Despite earlier indications to the contrary, the Bears cut former Pro Bowl cornerback Nate Vasher this afternoon, eliminating his $2.95 million salary for this season, in addition to the $3.45 million he would have earned in 2011 and the $3.7 million he would have been due for the 2012 season.

Unfortunately for the Bears, they have already paid Vasher a $9.5 million signing bonus when he agreed to a five-year, $28 million extension on June 28, 2007, a year and a half after his first and only Pro Bowl appearance. Vasher also received roster bonuses of $2 million in 2007 and $2.5 million in ’08.

He had no more bonus money due, which is why, despite three straight unproductive and injury-marred seasons, it seemed plausible that he would at least go to training camp and compete for a job this summer.

“We paid him his money, so it doesn't behoove us to let him go," Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said last month. "We're going to take him to training camp."

But the Bears expect to get more production for less money from free agent cornerback Tim Jennings, who was signed on Tuesday.

After intercepting 16 passes and starting 35 games in his first three NFL seasons, Vasher started just 11 games in the next three seasons and intercepted only 3 passes.