Bears cut Israel Idonije

The Chicago Bears cut veteran defensive lineman Israel Idonije as well as safety Sean Cattouse, quarterback Jerrod Johnson and tight end Fendi Onobun.

The Bears also signed defensive end Jamil Merrell and linebacker Conor O'Neill.

Merrell played at Rutgers where he recorded 81 tackles, 8 1/2 sacks and 16 tackles for losses.

O'Neill is a former Wisconsin player who had 91 career tackles, seven for losses, three forced fumbles and one interception.

Idonije has started 50 of 149 games, registering 273 tackles, 29 sacks, 40 tackles for losses, six forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries and eight blocked kicks. Idonije was the Bears' Ed Block Courage Award recipient in 2009 and was the Bears "Walter Payton Man of the Year" nominee in 2009 and 2010, including being one of three finalists for the NFL award in 2010.

Cattouse has appeared in two NFL games during his two-year NFL career with the San Diego Chargers and Bears.

Johnson has spent time with Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Seattle and Chicago since entering the NFL in 2011 but has not appeared in a regular season game.

Onobun has appeared in four games in two seasons with St. Louis and Jacksonville, with two receptions for 15 yards. He spent last season on the Bears practice squad.

The Bears are now at 88 players.

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Aaron Wilson covers the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun

Aaron Wilson
Aaron Wilson covers the NFL for National Football Post, his second stint at the Post. He has previously written for Pro Football Talk and FOX Sports-Scout. Entering his 13th year covering the Baltimore Ravens, he's a beat writer for The Baltimore Sun. Wilson has also covered the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans.

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