The San Francisco 49ers have released linebacker Derek Smith, while Muhsin Muhammad has been cut by the Chicago Bears.
Muhammad one of three veterans to be released by Bears
The San Francisco 49ers have decided to release linebacker Derek Smith, despite the fact he started 14 games for them last season.
The 11-year veteran has been with the franchise since signing as an unrestricted free agent in 2000.
He finished fifth on the team in the previous campaign with 98 tackles, but the emergence of rookie Patrick Willis saw him play less of a role in the defence.
"Decisions like this are a difficult part of a great business," Niners coach Mike Nolan said.
"Derek has been an important member of the 49ers, and you don't make these kinds of decisions without battling the emotion that is natural when you are dealing with a player that has done so much for your organisation."
Smith has recorded 1,493 career tackles and 13.5 sacks in an NFL career that has also seen him spend time with the Washington Redskins.
Bears keep Brown
Muhsin Muhammad is another veteran to become a free agent after the Chicago Bears decided to cut the wide receiver.
Offensive tackle Fred Miller and defensive tackle Darwin Walker, who was acquired in a trade with Buffalo, have also been let go.
However, the Bears have agreed a new two-year deal with defensive end Alex Brown.
Although he only started two games last season, the 28-year-old has extended his stay with the franchise that drafted him in the fourth round back in 2002.