(670 The Score) The Bears have released cornerback Prince Amukamara and receiver Taylor Gabriel, the team announced Friday afternoon.

The Bears opened up an additional $13.5 million in salary cap space with the releases. The moves were expected ahead of the NFL's free agency period opening in March.

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Amukamara, 30, was set to play the final season of a three-year contract that he signed two years ago. He played in 44 games over three seasons with the Bears, recording three interceptions. Amukamara was due $9 million in 2020.

Signed to a four-year, $32-million deal in March 2018, Gabriel played in 25 games for the Bears over two seasons. He recorded 96 receptions and six touchdowns with the team. Gabriel, 29, was slowed by two concussions last season. He was owed $4.5 million in base salary for 2020.

The Bears were previously positioned with $13.4 million in cap space, according to Spotrac. With the releases of Amukamara and Gabriel, that figure will be nearly $27 million.