Over the summer, Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio named defensive tackle Jeremiah Ratliff as his only "really good" defensive lineman. Six games into the season, that isn't the case anymore.
On Thursday, the Bears cut ties with Ratliff, releasing him and signing Ziggy Hood to fill his roster spot. Here's general manager Ryan Pace's statement on the move.
Statement from #Bears GM Ryan Pace on the release of Jeremiah Ratliff: pic.twitter.com/DYQC9Ek5b9
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) October 22, 2015
There might be more to the story, though. It's been reported by multiple outlets that Ratliff and Pace were involved in some sort of incident outside of the Bears' facility on Wednesday. After, Ratliff was reportedly escorted out of Halas Hall by security and police were reportedly stationed outside the facility.
Jeremiah Ratliff was escorted out of Halas Hall on Wed. by #Bears team security. Ratliff had an animated exchange with GM Ryan Pace outside.
— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) October 22, 2015
#Bears general manager Ryan Pace & Jeremiah Ratliff had a heated conversation in front of Halas Hall on Wednesday during practice.
— Jeff Dickerson (@DickersonESPN) October 22, 2015
Lake Forest police were later stationed at Halas Hall on Wed. after #Bears security escorted Jeremiah Ratliff off Halas Hall premises.
— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) October 22, 2015
Sources re: #Bears release of Jeremiah Ratliff: There was a disagreement -- "an isolated incident" -- inside Halas Hall.
— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) October 22, 2015
This isn't the first time Ratliff has had issues with the Bears. Last December, according to the Chicago Tribune, Ratliff was escorted out of the facility after causing a "disturbance" at practice. That incident occured under the previous Bears' regime, which didn't include Pace.
Ratliff signed with the Bears in 2013 after eight seasons with the Cowboys. In his career, he's recorded 35 sacks, including eight with the Bears.
When coach John Fox took over this offseason, he cited second-year cornerback Kyle Fuller and Ratliff as the two players the defense could build around. But Ratliff was suspended three games for violating the league's substance abuse policy in August.
In two games, Ratliff has recorded eight tackles and no sacks while playing in 56 percent of all defensive snaps. Against the Lions on Sunday, Ratliff suffered a neck injury and didn't return to the game. Ratliff was set to be a free agent after the season and, at 34, he didn't fit in with the Bears' rebuilding efforts.
Without Ratliff, the Bears have relied on younger players like rookie Eddie Goldman and second-year player Will Sutton, though the team recently lost Ego Ferguson for the remainder of the season to an injury. The release of Ratliff and the loss of Ferguson provides a huge chance for Sutton to secure his place in the Bears' future.
Since the season began, Pace hasn't been afraid to cut ties with players on the defensive side of the ball. Earlier this season, the Bears traded away linebacker Jon Bostic and pass rusher Jared Allen. Now, Pace has released a Pro Bowl-caliber player in Ratliff (when he's healthy, at least).
As for the Bears' newest addition, Hood was drafted by the Steelers in the first round of the 2009 draft. In his six seasons in the league (five with the Steelers, one with the Jaguars), he's recorded 12.5 sacks.
The Bears are currently on their bye week, which should help Fangio get Hood up to speed.
