Just before the Chicago Bears kicked off their 2026 rookie minicamp, the team made a notable roster move that caught fans off guard.
The Bears opted to cut 2025 fifth-round pick Zah Frazier in a move that essentially saw them give up on a player who was once surrounded with a good amount of optimism. But, Chicago has made the difficult decision to move on.
Prior to the Bears opening their rookie minicamp, head coach Ben Johnson addressed the media and, of course, was asked about the decision. Per The Score's Chris Emma, Johnson had this to say:
"It’s just one of those things when we’re looking at the roster, where he’s at, where we’re at, it was time to part ways. I appreciate everything he contributed when he was here. It opens up a roster spot and an opportunity to make this team. ... We were hopeful. It just wasn't going in that direction. The trajectory was off. So, we decided to go in a different direction."
The Chicago Bears likely knew Zah Frazier's fate before the 2026 NFL Draft
First and foremost, whatever happened with Frazier, I think I can speak on behalf of most Bears fans (and football fans in general) when I say we wish him all the best. Last season, Frazier missed his rookie campaign with a non-injury designation.
Clearly, there is something much greater than football that was/is going on, and once more, we wish him nothing but the very best.
Going into the draft, this year, the Bears very well could've known they'd wind up parting with Frazier, though. In the fourth round, Chicago took Malik Muhammad out of Texas as a player who could have gone much higher. But, at that spot, the Bears not only landed someone who would come in and be the top reserve, but a player who could ultimately start in 2027.
Muhammad now immediately takes on the role of being that same rookie with some optimism built in around him, and he'll be joined by Terell Smith, who comes back from injury, also.
So, for this coming season, the Bears' depth at cornerback should be very strong. Smith has shown an ability to come in and play well when called upon, and Muhammad could end up being the future at the position.
Read more: Bears have no reason to sign a recent cut with strong Matt Eberflus roots
The Bears probably long knew what they would be doing with Frazier, thus the depth that's been built there.
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