In order to open a space on the 53-man roster for DE Gaines Adams, who was acquired Friday from Tampa Bay in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Monsters of the Midway terminated the contract of TE Michael Gaines on Saturday.

Gaines, a sixth-year pro out of Central Florida, was signed as a free agent in the offseason after stops in Carolina, Buffalo and NFC North rival Detroit. At 6-4 and 277 pounds, the Bears were looking for a blocking tight end to use primarily in short-yardage and goal-line situations behind starter Greg Olsen and quasi-starter Desmond Clark. But with 2008 fifth-round draft pick Kellen Davis finally living up to his potential and tied for the team lead with two touchdown catches, Gaines was considered expendable.

Adams is expected to provide a pass-rushing presence off the bench when veterans Alex Brown and Adewale Ogunleye need a breather.