Bears Trim 53-Man Roster
Chicago Bears Release Veteran Wide Receiver Scotty Miller And Cornerback Terell Smith
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Key Points
1
Scotty Miller was released after signing a one-year deal in May, ending a seven-season stretch in which he had 99 receptions for 1,216 yards and six touchdowns.
2
Behind top receivers Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III, the Bears' receiving depth features Kalif Raymond at vet, with third-rounder Zavion Thomas (return specialist) and Jahdae Walker expected to fill out many of the remaining snaps, while Kaden Davis remains in the mix for the No. 6 WR role.
3
Clark Phillips III was acquired in the trade that sent Gervon Dexter Sr. to the Falcons, a move many analysts view as strengthening Chicago's cornerback depth behind Jaylon Johnson.
4
The Dexter Sr. trade is described as having accelerated the Phillips addition and helped push Terell Smith off the roster, despite earlier praise for Smith's preseasons.
5
Terell Smith has an injury history that includes a torn patellar tendon wiping out the 2025 season; in 2024 he played 14 games with 19 tackles, one interception and four pass breakups.
The Chicago Bears released veteran wide receiver Scotty Miller and waived cornerback Terell Smith on Tuesday as the team trimmed its roster ahead of the 53-man deadline. Yahoo Sports reported that Miller, who signed a one-year deal in May, departs after seven seasons in the NFL with 99 receptions for 1,216 yards and six touchdowns. The moves signal Chicago's shift toward younger depth at receiver and defensive back, following the trade that sent Dexter Sr. to Atlanta in exchange for cornerback Clark Phillips III.
Behind top receivers Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III, the Bears will lean on Kalif Raymond, third-rounder Zavion Thomas, and Jahdae Walker to fill out the receiving corps. Smith's departure follows a torn patellar tendon that sidelined him for the 2025 season, though he recorded 19 tackles, one interception, and four pass breakups in 14 games last year.
Miller Exits After Seven-Year Stretch
Scotty Miller's release marks the end of a veteran presence Chicago added during the offseason. Yahoo Sports confirmed Miller signed his one-year contract during OTAs in May. Over seven seasons, Miller accumulated 99 receptions for 1,216 yards and six touchdowns, establishing himself as a reliable depth piece and return specialist in the NFL.
The Bears will now distribute return specialist duties among younger contributors. Third-rounder Zavion Thomas and Kaden Davis remain in consideration for depth roles, allowing Chicago to develop internal talent while cutting payroll ahead of the roster deadline.
Cornerback Depth Chart Reshuffled After Phillips Trade
Terell Smith's waiver comes weeks after Chicago acquired Clark Phillips III in a trade that sent Gervon Dexter Sr. to the Falcons. The Phillips addition appears to have solidified the cornerback depth chart behind Jaylon Johnson, pushing Smith down the priority list despite earlier praise for his performance in recent preseasons.
Smith's 2025 season ended early due to a torn patellar tendon, limiting his opportunity to compete for a roster spot. In 2024, he appeared in all 14 games with 19 tackles, one interception, and four pass breakups, but the injury and Phillips trade combination proved too much to overcome.
Young Contributors Fill Void at Receiver
With Miller gone, Chicago's receiving unit now centers on established starters Odunze and Burden III, backed by veteran Kalif Raymond. The team will count on youth development to fill out snaps, with Zavion Thomas handling return duties and Jahdae Walker expected to provide depth on routes.
The shift reflects broader roster strategy: acquire proven talent at elite positions while using mid-round picks and undrafted signings to create competition at support roles. This approach lets the Bears manage salary cap pressure while testing whether younger players can step up before the season begins.
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