Outside of their prominent early moves in free agency this year, the Chicago Bears seem to have made it their mission to shore up the special teams over the past two weeks. Olamide Zaccheaus is not only a good option at WR3 but also has credibility as a punt returner. He was quickly followed by Devin Duvernay, a former Pro Bowl kick returner. This is in addition to retaining key fixtures like Travis Homer, Scott Daly, Josh Blackwell, and Amen Ogbongbemiga. It appears this goal continues.
Word came out via Forever Athlete Management that their client, cornerback Nick McCloud, is signing with the Bears. The former undrafted free agent out of Notre Dame. The 26-year-old has bounced around the league between Cincinnati, New York (Giants), and San Francisco. He started 16 games over the span, collecting 96 tackles, 1.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and an interception. Most importantly, he has extensive experience as a gunner on special teams, racking up nine tackles over the past three seasons.
The Chicago Bears appear set at cornerback.
Their starting trio—Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, and Tyrique Stevenson—remains intact. Terell Smith, Blackwell, and now McCloud should take care of the depth questions. The only way that changes is if somebody unexpectedly emerges during training camp. McCloud isn't a big name, but he is one that offers value on the margins of the roster. He can help them on special teams and defense. GM Ryan Poles has routinely prove to be quite capable at moves like this. Every year, he is able to secure a handful of quality depth players who keep the special teams strong, upholding a Chicago Bears tradition that goes back decades. No doubt Richard Hightower played a hand in this. He worked in San Francisco before coming here and probably has good intel on McCloud.
