The Chicago Bears have decided to part ways with nine-year veteran free safety Mike Brown.

The decision on Brown was not a shock as general manager Jerry Angelo had made it clear Brown was no longer in the team’s plan. Angelo told the Tribune the Bears couldn’t afford to bring Brown back considering what they wanted to accomplish in other areas, including the development of Danieal Manning.

Now the Bears move forward with plans to fill voids on both sides of the ball.

Brown came into the league like a bat out of hell, but injuries absolutely destroyed a once promising career. Brown’s knack for coming up with the big play defined his career early on, but even he admitted he resembled a porcelain doll when it came to his body.

It’s hard to blame the Bears for cutting him, but they’ll miss his leadership. With safeties always in high demand, some team will take a shot at him.