LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Chicago Bears general manager Jerry Angelo held true to his statement Friday about the club's plan to make several roster moves this week.

The Bears announced the release of defensive tackle Tommie Harris on Monday, and terminated the contracts of linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer and offensive lineman Kevin Shaffer.

Interestingly, Bears coach Lovie Smith said at the NFL scouting combine last week that Harris fit into the club's plans for 2011. Apparently that wasn't the case.

"That's just a part of our business,'' Smith told the Chicago Tribune. "Of course, Tommie is my first recruit. But at the same time, we're both moving in different directions. Tommie still has a future. He's just going to have it with someone else.''

Harris, the 14th overall selection in the 2004 draft, made three Pro Bowls with the Bears. He started 90 of 104 career games for the Bears in seven seasons, but was released in part because of underperformance in 2010, finishing with just 18 tackles, 1.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries in six starts. Harris was due a $2.5 million roster bonus in June.

"I kind of knew. It's nothing personal," Harris told the Chicago Sun-Times. "I want to thank the McCaskeys. I want to tell my fans I love them, and I'm going to miss the city and my teammates. I think it's one of the best locker rooms in the NFL."