Bears cut Harris, 2 others

LAKE FOREST, Ill., Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Tommie Harris has been released by the Chicago Bears, the team said Monday.

The Bears also terminated the contracts of linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer and offensive lineman Kevin Shaffe.

Harris, 27, started six games last season, producing 13 tackles with 1 1/2 sacks. In 104 career games (90 starts) he had 286 tackles, 28 1/2 sacks, six forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries and an interception.

Hillenmeyer, 30, played in just the first regular-season game last season after suffering a concussion in a pre-season contest. He had 458 tackles in 101 games (69 starts), with seven sacks and two picks.

Shaffer, a nine-year NFL veteran, started seven of 32 games at right tackle the last two years with the Bears.