Bears Cut 4 Veterans, Including WR Eddie Royal

By Chris Emma--

(CBS) With a new crop of rookies set for mini-camp Friday at Halas Hall, the Bears have released four veterans from the roster.

On Thursday, the Bears released receiver Eddie Royal and waived defensive lineman Will Sutton, offensive lineman Cornelius Edison and fullback Paul Lasike.

Royal was signed to a three-year, $15-million deal in 2015. He has since been paid in full the $10 million guaranteed, meaning the Bears owe him no more. Due to injuries, he played in just 18 games over two seasons, recording 70 catches for 607 yards and three touchdowns.

Sutton was a third-round pick of the Bears in 2014. He primarily served as a reserve at nose tackle, recording 39 tackles but no sacks in three seasons.

Edison served as a backup at center for the Bears. He was waived on several occasions by the Bears last season. Lasike became the team's primary fullback, a role likely to be assumed by rookie Freddie Stevenson.

Additionally, the Bears signed rookies Tarik Cohen and Jordan Morgan to deals Thursday.

The Bears open rookie mini-camp on Friday at Halas Hall.

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.