Bears release OL Alex Leatherwood en route to 53-man roster

The Chicago Bears’ 53-man roster decisions are slowly making their rounds on social media.

First came news of QB PJ Walker’s release, and now we’ve gotten word that Alex Leatherwood, a former first-round pick of the Las Vegas Raiders, has been cut.

The #Bears are releasing former 1st rounder Alex Leatherwood, source said

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 27, 2023

The Bears claimed Leatherwood off of waivers last season at a time when the team’s offensive line needed all the help it could get. With a first-round pick invested in Darnell Wright and a big free-agent contract given to Nate Davis, Leatherwood’s services are no longer needed.

Leatherwood will cost the Chicago Bears $4.6 million in dead cap in 2023, but with the emergence of young homegrown linemen on the roster this summer, he seemed like a longshot to make the cut.

The Bears must trim their roster to 53 players by Aug. 29.