Bears release longtime quarterback Jay Cutler

The Chicago Bears released quarterback Jay Cutler on Thursday, ending a tumultuous eight-year tenure with the organization.

Cutler’s release comes after the Bears agreed to a three-year, $45 million contract with quarterback Mike Glennon, sources told ESPN. Glennon, who is expected to take over as the Bears’ starting quarterback, will receive $19 million guaranteed in his contract.

Cutler holds almost every passing record in franchise history, though he likely will be remembered for leading the Bears to just one playoff appearance in eight seasons.

He thanked the team and Chicago in a statement released to the Chicago Sun-Times.

“I grew up in Indiana rooting for the Bears as [a] kid, so it was an honor to wear the Bears uniform…