Shane Matthews, who helped engineer two great comebacks against Cleveland and San Francisco last season, was released Wednesday after six up-and-down seasons with the Bears.
Matthews’ release was expected after the Bears signed Chris Chandler as the backup to Jim Miller. The Panthers, Vikings and Buccaneers are among those interested in Matthews.
Matthews, who played in four games last season including three starts, initially was the subject of trade speculation between the Bears and Redskins after Steve Spurrier, Matthews’ college coach at Florida, was hired to coach the Redskins.
A Redskins official said the team, which has acquired ex-Bear and Florida quarterback Danny Wuerffel, has no interest in Matthews at this point.
“Shane was motivated to get a fresh start elsewhere and, after solidifying depth at the quarterback position with [Henry] Burris and [Chris] Chandler, his release was the best move for both sides,” Bears GM Jerry Angelo said in a statement.
Matthews played in 20 games for the Bears and started 15 over the last three seasons.
Last season Matthews replaced Miller against the 49ers and two threw fourth-quarter touchdown passes to help the Bears reach overtime. He started the next week against the Browns and threw for two touchdowns in the final 32 seconds to get the Bears into overtime again.
John Mullin.
– Former Chiefs linebacker Donnie Edwards signed a $19 million, five-year contract with San Diego where he is reunited with new Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer.
– The Ravens signed Jeff Blake, a 10-year veteran released in March by New Orleans, to a one-year contract.
Blake will serve as the backup to Chris Redman.
– Former Cowboys offensive lineman Nate Newton pleaded guilty to drug trafficking as part of a plea agreement. Other drug charges were dropped.
Sentencing is July 19. Newton faces up to 20 years in prison, but his lawyer, Steven Rozen, said Newton might only have to serve up to 2 1/2 years, with credit for time served.
