Bears Terminate Contract of 5-Year NFL Veteran Defender

The Chicago Bears released veteran defensive back Nick McCloud on Tuesday, clearing a roster spot as the team continues to shape its depth heading into a key stretch of the schedule.

In the corresponding transaction, Chicago signed running back Zavier Scott from the practice squad to the active roster. The move came as the Bears, sitting at 5-2 and second in the NFC North, prepare for a Monday Night Football matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.

McCloud, 28, had rejoined the organization this season after a brief stint with the Miami Dolphins. He signed to Chicago’s practice squad on Sept. 22 and was promoted to the 53-man roster on Oct. 17. His playing time remained limited in 2026, with Pro Football Focus tracking just nine defensive snaps across two appearances.

The cornerback entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2021 and spent time with the Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers before his first stint in Chicago. He appeared in 65 career regular-season games with 20 starts, recording 109 total tackles, one interception, 12 passes defended and 1.5 sacks, according to NFL.com.

Last season with the Bears, McCloud played in 15 games and made four starts, finishing with 27 tackles and two passes defended. He also started in Chicago’s NFC Wild Card victory over the Green Bay Packers. In this year’s Week 6 win at Atlanta, he recovered a fumble on a kickoff return after Scott forced the turnover.

Scott, 27, provides additional backfield depth behind D’Andre Swift. The former University of Maine standout spent 2025 with the Minnesota Vikings, appearing in all 16 games. He rushed for 114 yards on 32 carries and added 14 receptions for 98 yards and a touchdown while contributing on special teams.

Chicago elevated Scott multiple times earlier this season, including for the games against the Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots. His promotion to the active roster follows the exhaustion of practice-squad elevations and comes amid uncertainty surrounding other running backs on the depth chart.

The Bears enter the week ranked among the league’s top rushing teams, averaging more than 150 yards per game on the ground. Their next opponent, the Seahawks, presents a stiff test on Monday night at Lumen Field.

McCloud’s release ends a short second chapter in Chicago after he returned as a familiar depth option following the activation of Kyler Gordon from the physically unable to perform list. The secondary has dealt with several injury-related adjustments throughout the early portion of the season.

Scott’s addition bolsters a running-back room that has leaned heavily on Swift, who posted a season-high 22 carries in the Thursday night victory over New England. The Bears have scored at least 23 points in each of their five wins.

Chicago’s special teams have already benefited from both players this season. The forced fumble and recovery against the Falcons marked one of the unit’s notable takeaways.

With the roster move complete, the Bears now turn their focus to Seattle while maintaining flexibility across the backfield and secondary.

The transaction reflects ongoing roster management for a team positioned solidly in the NFC North race behind the undefeated Minnesota Vikings. Further depth adjustments remain possible as the schedule intensifies.