Bears release safety Chris Harris

CHICAGO, Oct. 27 (UPI) -- Safety Chris Harris thanked Chicago football fans for their support as he announced Thursday morning he had been released by the 4-3 Bears.

Harris told the Chicago Tribune he had not asked for the release. He had decided to remain with the team for the rest of the season after management gave him permission to look for a trade.

As rumors of his release circulated, Harris confirmed them via Twitter, the Chicago Sun-Times said.

"This business known as the NFL is a strange one," he wrote. "Chicago I want to thank u for all the luv u have shown me over the yrs. u will b missed."

Harris, 29, was drafted by the Bears in 2005 after playing for the University of Louisiana at Monroe. He was traded to the Carolina Panthers in 2008 and returned to the Bears in 2010.

Harris started against Tampa Bay in Wembly Stadium in London this week, a game the Bears won 24-18.

The Bears are considering signing Tom Nelson, who played for Illinois State and tried out Wednesday with Darcel McBath, a former Denver Broncos' second-round draft pick, the Tribune said.

Harris's salary this season was $1.095 million with a $500,000 bonus.