The Chicago Bears are entering an important part of their franchise history after the release of Brian Urlacher and the hiring of new coach Marc Trestman and now the team is moving on from a rough period, as sources say they are releasing fullback Even Rodriguez after confirming the trade of former first round pick Gabe Carimi to the Buccaneers.
According to ESPNChicago.com, the team confirmed the rumored trade of Carimi to the Bucs for a sixth round pick and sources also said that fullback Evan Rodriguez will be released. The team signed veteran fullback Tony Fiammetta to make up for the release and now they are ready to move on from the fullback, as he was arrested twice this past offseason and the Bears had enough.
They also had enough with Carimi, who was a former first round pick from the last regime of Jerry Angelo and now he is with the Buccaneers. The team was frustrated with his play last season and issues with injuries and now they are moving on from the high pick after he started the first 10 games last season before losing his job. The drafting of OL Kyle Long in the first round may have been a signal and now the move has happened.
Rodriguez was a fourth round pick from Temple in 2012 and he was arrested after driving under the influence, speeding and improper lane change and he also was arrested for resisting an officer without violence and disorderly intoxication after a car in which he was a passenger was involved in a traffic incident in March and that was enough for the Bears. General Manager Phil Emery said that it was enough for the team and while he was a likeable player, they were disappointed and that resulted in his release.
Rodriguez was solid player while appearing in 12 games during his rookie season and he added four catches for 21 yards and was expected to play a role in the running game this season. Fiammetta now joins after playing with the Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots.
