Bears announced RB Marion Barber's retirement from football.

Barber isn't yet 29, but his body has begun to break down, particularly in the legs, and he's no longer an effective NFL runner. After a highly promising start to his career in Dallas, Barber averaged under 3.8 yards per carry in three of the past four seasons. The 2005 fourth-round pick was one of the NFL's most physical backs during the 2005-2007 campaigns, however, scoring 33 all-purpose touchdowns in his first three years. Ultimately, Barber was the personification of short shelf lives for power running backs in the NFL.

The Bears would save $1.7 million in salary cap space by releasing Marion Barber.

We're surprised the move hasn't been made yet. The Bears aren't in hot pursuit of any top remaining free agents, but they could use the savings to lock up in-house players long term. Franchise player Matt Forte comes to mind, as does Jay Cutler. Forte is under control only through 2012; Cutler through 2013.

Marion Barber is a "prime candidate to be released" this offseason.

He's as good as gone after restricted free agent Kahlil Bell's late-season emergence as a viable insurance policy for Matt Forte. Turning 29 in June, Barber carries a $2.25 million cap charge in addition to a $1.9 million base salary.