Bears release Garza
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Lake Forest, IL (SportsNetwork.com) - The Chicago Bears have parted ways with longtime center Roberto Garza, releasing the 14-year veteran on Thursday.
In a corresponding move, the team signed former Broncos center Will Montgomery, who played for new Bears coach John Fox in Denver last season. Montgomery received a one-year contract.
Garza started 176-of-206 games during his career, which began in 2001 with Atlanta before moving to Chicago in 2005. At one point during his career, Garza started 101 consecutive regular-season games from 2003-10.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"We have a great deal of respect for what Roberto has brought to the Bears over the last 10 years," general manager Ryan Pace said. "He has been a great player, teammate and leader. We wish Roberto and his family the very best as he continues his career."
Garza has been part of offensive lines that paved the way for eight 1,000-yard rushers, including seven in Chicago, during his career.
In 10 seasons with the Bears, Garza appeared in 154 contests with 145 starts, including all 16 games in seven of the last nine years.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Montgomery has started 71-of-106 career games for the Panthers (2006), Jets (2007-08), Redskins (2008-13) and Broncos (2014).
The Bears also released safety Anthony Walters on Thursday.
Walters appeared in 37 games with one start over four years with Chicago (2011-14), recording seven tackles, one fumble recovery, two tackles for a loss and 21 special teams stops.