Bears Release Linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga

Move frees up over $2 million in salary cap space for 2026 season

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The Chicago Bears have released linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga, who was set to cost $2.445 million against the team's 2026 salary cap. The move frees up $2.07 million in cap space while incurring only $375,000 in dead money.

Why it matters

The Bears are currently projected to be over the 2026 salary cap, so this release provides them with some much-needed flexibility to make additional roster moves and signings in the offseason. Ogbongbemiga was primarily a special teams contributor, so his departure is not expected to have a major impact on the team's defensive depth.

The details

Ogbongbemiga signed with the Bears in 2024 on a one-year deal and then earned a two-year, $5 million contract extension in 2025. He saw increased playing time on defense in 2025 due to injuries to other linebackers, but was still considered more of a special teams contributor.

  • The Bears released Ogbongbemiga on Thursday, February 20, 2026.

The players

Amen Ogbongbemiga

A linebacker who spent the last two seasons with the Chicago Bears, primarily as a special teams contributor.

Ryan Poles

The general manager of the Chicago Bears, who is tasked with managing the team's salary cap and roster.

Tremaine Edmunds

A linebacker for the Chicago Bears who could be another potential salary cap casualty this offseason.

Cole Kmet

A tight end for the Chicago Bears who could be a potential salary cap casualty this offseason.

D'Andre Swift

A running back for the Chicago Bears who could be a potential salary cap casualty this offseason.

Roschon Johnson

A running back for the Chicago Bears who could be a potential salary cap casualty this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“While the NFL has yet to announce the official 2026 salary cap number (which is expected next week), Chicago is now projected to be $4.11 million over the cap.”

— Alyssa Barbieri, Author (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

General manager Ryan Poles will likely need to make additional moves, such as contract restructures or more player releases, to get the Bears under the 2026 salary cap before the start of the new league year.

The takeaway

The release of Amen Ogbongbemiga is just the first of what could be several salary cap-related moves for the Chicago Bears this offseason as they work to get under the 2026 cap. This highlights the ongoing challenge NFL teams face in managing their roster and finances in a salary cap league.