LAKE FOREST, Ill. Athletics Josh Phegley Jersey . -- The Chicago Bears released eight-time Pro Bowl defensive end Julius Peppers on Tuesday, one of several moves they made to reshape their struggling defence. The Bears also agreed to a five-year contract with former Oakland Raiders defensive end Lamarr Houston, a two-year contract with former Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants safety Ryan Mundy, and one-year deals with linebackers Jordan Senn and D.J. Williams. But the biggest move as they tried to shore up a defence that got shredded by injuries and ranked among the leagues worst last season involved Peppers. Given the way he struggled last season and the fact that his salary cap hit for next season was for more than $18 million, the Bears were expected to let him go or restructure his contract. "We appreciate Julius contributions to the Bears over the last four years," general manager Phil Emery said in a statement. "He was a leader on our defence starting every game since coming to Chicago. His accomplishments over his NFL career place him among the best defensive ends over the past 20 years. The Chicagoland community has benefited greatly from his quiet generosity. We wish him the best." Peppers is the second high-profile player to part ways with the Bears this off-season, joining record returner Devin Hester. Those moves come after they split with Brian Urlacher following the 2012 season. Peppers, who turned 34 in January, finished with just seven sacks, his lowest total in four seasons with Chicago and the fewest for him since he had a career-low 2 1/2 with Carolina in 2007. Three times last year he failed to register a tackle, and the Bears defence ranked among the worst in the NFL. But Peppers has been one of the best at his position during his career. In his 12 seasons with Carolina (2002-2009) and Chicago (2010-13), he ranks second in the NFL with 118 1/2 sacks. He has nine interceptions -- the most by a defensive lineman since 2002 -- and his 39 career forced fumbles are fifth most in the league during that time. On special teams, Peppers has 11 blocked kicks during his career. With the Bears, Peppers had 38 sacks along with three interceptions, nine forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries. But he was inconsistent last season. At times, he showed that old burst. Too often, he was a nonfactor. The defence, overall, was a mess for the Bears last season because of injuries and poor execution. Williams, Lance Briggs, Charles Tillman, and Henry Melton missed big chunks of the season. Nickel back Kelvin Hayden and defensive tackle Nate Collins also suffered season-ending injuries. And the Bears couldnt stop the run or get to the quarterback. Chicago allowed a league-high 5.3 yards per carry, half a yard more than any other team, and tied Jacksonville with an NFL-worst with 31 sacks. Houston started all 16 games last season for Oakland and was one of the few playmakers on a 4-12 team. He led the Raiders with a career-high six sacks and got 16 in four seasons with them. Mundy made a career-high nine starts with the Giants last season after spending his first four with Pittsburgh. He had 70 tackles and a 91-yard interception return along with two pass breakups and a fumble recovery. He also had seven special teams stops. Senn has appeared in 83 games with seven starts over six seasons with Indianapolis (2008-09) and Carolina (2009-13). He was primarily a special-teams player last season. Williams appeared in six games and made four starts at middle linebacker last season after signing a one-year deal with Chicago. A ruptured pectoral muscle tendon cut short his season. Oakland Athletics Jerseys Cheap . It is unclear how long Kallstrom, who was brought in to alleviate the teams midfield problems, will be sidelined. Arsenals communications director, Mark Gonnella, says the club decided to proceed with Kallstroms signing despite the injury. Athletics Kendall Graveman Jersey . Nikolai Khabibulin was yanked in the second period, and the Ottawa Senators looked ready to put away a big road win.Guillem Balague believes Gonzalo Higuain is seriously considering joining Chelsea this summer, with Diego Costa possibly set to leave Stamford Bridge. Higuain has enjoyed an impressive season with Napoli, netting 33 goals in 34 games to lead the Serie A scoring charts by some distance.Costa, meanwhile, has struggled to rediscover the form he showed in his first season with Chelsea. He has only scored 12 times in the Premier League and there have been reports that is unhappy and wants to rejoin Atletico, who he left in 2014.Speaking on his weekly Q&A session with Sky Sports, Spanish football expert Balague said: Gonzalo Higuain is a target for Chelsea. I think he would cost around €48m (about £37.8m).Higuain is seriously considering it and if he does move to Stamford Bridge then there would be the possibility that Costa would have to be sold. Diego Costa has not hit the same heights this season as he did in his debut season Its very difficult for Atletico Madrid, and Diego Simeone in particular. Simeone has told Atletico Madrid he only wants three players. Diego, Costa and Diego Costa.Hes determined to get him but its not easy to get him as he will have to reduce his wages big time and Im not sure Atletico will be able to put a huge offer on the table for him.Its one to keep an eye in the future because they certainly want him.Chelseas Eden Hazard, whose form has improved in recent weeks, has also been linked with a move to La Liga. Watch Eden Hazards fine solo goal against Liverpool Asked about the chances of Hazard heading to Spain, Balague said: It all depends on the transfer movements. Athletics Jharel Cotton Jersey. Paris St-Germain are pushing for Cristiano Ronaldo to move to France.Real Madrid think that if Ronaldo doesnt go to PSG they will have to renew Ronaldos contract. If he stays on Hazard may not be the player they go for but they do need new players. Its all still a bit up in the air.Watch the conclusion of the Spanish season live on Sky Sports on Saturday or follow all the action on www.skysports.com. Also See: Can Barca hold off Real? 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