Friday afternoon, Vaughn McClure of The Chicago Tribune announced at least two teams had interest in acquiring the 28-year-old RB Marion Barber, who the Chicago Bears were expected to release:
Believe it or not, I've already heard the Rams and Eagles as possible landing spots for Marion Barber. But he has to get released first.
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) March 23, 2012
But the Bears never had a chance to release Barber, as he suddenly announced his retirement, according to Will Brinson of CBS Sports:
RB Marion Barber retires. One final run out of bounds.
— Will Brinson (@willbrinson) March 23, 2012
Barber played seven season in the NFL, entering the league as a 4th round pick in the 2005 NFL Draft. During his six years with the Dallas Cowboys and final year with the Bears, Barber played a combined 99 games and rushed for 4780 yards, 53 touchdowns and a 4.1 average yards per carry.
Also a capable receiving back, Barber caught 179 passes for 1330 yards and 6 TDs. Barber earned a Pro Bowl appearance in 2007, a season where he started zero games, but scored 10 touchdowns and ran for 975 yards.
Brad Biggs of The Chicago Tribune reports the Bears will save $2 million against their salary cap.
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