The Chicago Bears are getting ready to host the Los Angeles Rams in their first divisional playoff game since 2010. Despite the excitement in the Windy City heading into the matchup, the Bears have plenty of concerns about their secondary.
Nahshon Wright’s recent performance, as well as inconsistencies between Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, and Tyrique Stevenson, have Chicago concerned about facing Matthew Stafford and the high-powered Rams' passing attack. The Bears suffered another blow when cornerback Nick McCloud was listed as out on the team’s final injury report with a groin injury, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.
If it weren’t for the Bears' constant shuffling in the secondary, McCloud may have already been shown a spot on the bench. But the recent injury may have foreshadowed his offseason departure in the coming weeks, making it a possibility that he’s played his last snap in Chicago.
Bears Likely to Move on From Nick McCloud at End of Season
McCloud was signed by the Bears on a one-year, $1.3 million contract during free agency, and he was able to make the team out of training camp for his first regular-season action since he was a member of the New York Giants.
For all the Bears’ secondary concerns, McCloud may have been one of this season’s most consistent headaches. According to Pro Football Focus, McCloud allowed 24 catches for 309 yards and four touchdowns with two pass breakups and three penalties when targeted during the regular season. If that wasn't concerning enough, he allowed his lone target to be caught for a seven-yard gain before leaving the wild-card round victory over the Packers.
The Bears could bring McCloud back next season as cheap depth. But his performance would signal that it wouldn’t be a great idea. In addition, the Bears' cornerback room appears to be full heading into 2026, with Johnson, Stevenson, and Gordon all under contract. The possibility of bringing back Wright fills another spot on the roster, and McCloud could be battling for a job on the back end.
With 2025 fifth-round pick Zah Frazier recently cleared, they may want to give him a chance to win a job over a journeyman like McCloud. It’s also possible the Bears could look to address the option with a more stable option in the draft and free agency, increasing the likelihood of McCloud’s departure.
Either way, Bears fans have known this is a long time coming and even if they pull out a victory over the Rams on Sunday night, McCloud’s fate appears to be sealed with his latest injury.