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The Bears have released 12-year NFL veteran wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad after his third season with the team, The NFL Network reports.


Muhammad, signed as a free agent by the team after being released by Carolina following the 2004 season, totaled 164 catches, 2,183 yards and 12 touchdowns in his three seasons in Chicago, starting 47 of 48 games for the Bears.


Muhammad had played his first nine seasons with the Panthers, earning a Pro Bowl bid after posting 1,405 yards receiving and 16 TDs in '04. He will turn 35 on May 5.

[Ego74]

ESPN - Panthers cut disappointing quarterback David Carr, sign receiver Muhsin Muhammad - NFL

Muhammad returns to Carolina

Muhammad was the Panthers' second-round pick in 1996 and spent nine seasons with Carolina before being released in a salary-cap move. The Panthers struggled to replace him, leaving star receiver Steve Smith to face constant double-teams over the past few seasons.


"I did talk to Steve and he felt like he needs another complement on the other side of him," Muhammad said at a news conference. "He kind of coerced me into coming back. He welcomed me back with open arms. ... We're excited about playing again with each other. We've always maintained our friendship outside of football."


It's unclear what role Muhammad will have in his return to Carolina. He turns 35 in May and had 40 catches last season.