NFL

The Chicago Bears have released CB Nathan Vasher. Vasher, due $3M and ineffective several seasons running, was never going to make the roster out of training camp, so GM Jerry Angelo cut the chord early. Vasher, 29, was an All-Pro in 2005, when current Chargers DC Ron Rivera was running Chicago’s offense. San Diego is also dangerously thin at corner.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Seattle: Seattle Seahawks acquired QB Charlie Whitehurst from the Chargers in exchange for a swap of 2010 second-round picks and a third-round pick in 2011. The move will pay off for Seattle if Whitehurst becomes Matt Hasselbeck’s eventual successor, but the Bolts got quite a haul. They move up 20 spots in round two and get a premium 2011 pick for a player with zero pass attempts in four seasons, who couldn’t beat out Billy Volek. Whitehurst, 27, posted an underwhelming 49:46 TD-to-INT ratio and 59.7 completion rate as a four-year starter at Clemson in the early- to mid-2000s. He has ideal size (6’4/227), good tools and athleticism, and outplayed Jay Cutler at the 2006 Senior Bowl. Pete Carroll and GM John Schneider have been watching a lot of old tape.

Arizona: ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on NFL Live Wednesday that the Arizona Cardinals consider their quarterback situation “an open competition.” It’ll be “let the best man win,” Schefter added. Based on experience in the offense, familiarity with receivers, and sheer accuracy, Matt Leinart should hold a sizable edge. Rumblings continue that the Cards aren’t sold on Leinart, however, and their previously aggressive pursuit of Charlie Whitehurst before signing Derek Anderson is only confirmation. If Anderson can regain his confidence, he’ll give Leinart a run for his money in camp.

Philadelphia: The Eagles have released OL Shawn Andrews. Andrews, a first-team All Pro in 2006 and a Pro Bowler as recently as 2007, has missed all but two games over the last two seasons due to multiple back operations and depression. He’s only 27 years old and was due a modest $2 million salary, but the Philadelphia Eagles clearly grew tired of Andrews’ mental and physical problems. He’ll get another chance elsewhere, assuming he wants one. It’s believed Andrews may no longer be interested in football.

2010 NFL Draft: Florida CB Joe Haden reportedly timed in the mid-4.4 range on both of his forty-yard dash runs at the Gators’ Pro Day. According to some stopwatches, Haden clocked as fast as the 4.3s despite a soggy, sloppy grass field in Gainesville. The draft’s top cornerback, Haden has helped his stock immensely after timing in the 4.57-4.60 range with poor running technique and a lower back sprain at the Scouting Combine. We no longer see him getting past San Francisco at No. 13 overall.