I'm glad we let him go. He was a good backup and has started 19 games for us when called upon. (and performed well enough). Last year, backup O-linemen were a scarcity at 1 Arrowhead Drive; but we drafted 2 young OTs last year in Black and Williams. This year we drafted Sampson and picked up Welborn from Philly. Spears just happened to be our senior backup and no longer filled a position of need for us. Vermeil said they thought of trying to trade him, but thought they did right by releasing him outright so he would have time to sign with another club before training camp. The Bears are implementing our offense, and signed John Tait (OT) away from us this year. Spears would be a good fit for them (even if just as a backup) since he already knows that system. I look for them to pick him up.
Spears was serviceable imo. Not a dominating-type player. Average, I guess I'm trying to say. I thought he would be uniqely qualified for the Bears because of their current transition. He was a good depth guy for us though. He may be a good pickup if you need the depth. Especially if there are younger guys present (Ah, the push of competition).
