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Bears Waive CB Zah Frazier, Open Roster Spot

5/8/2026

39 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Chicago Bears waived cornerback Zah Frazier on Thursday, May 7, 2026, ending the 2025 fifth-round pick’s tenure.
Frazier missed the 2025 season after being placed on the non-football injury/illness list for a matter GM Ryan Poles said began before he joined the Bears.
The waiver opens a 90-man roster spot ahead of the May 8-9 rookie minicamp and leaves the CB2 competition to Jaylon Johnson, Tyrique Stevenson, Malik Muhammad, and Terell Smith.

History

Historical Context

The Bears' May 7 2026 waiver of rookie Zah Frazier reflects a long-standing NFL pressure to trim offseason rosters, a practice rooted in the 1992 collective bargaining agreement that gave players 57 % of the league’s $8 billion revenue and introduced free-agency rules. Subsequent CBAs, including the 2011 agreement after a lockout, have kept roster limits tight, forcing teams each spring to make swift cuts.

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Story summary

The Chicago Bears waived cornerback Zah Frazier on Thursday, May 7, 2026, ending the 2025 fifth-round pick’s tenure.
Frazier missed the 2025 season after being placed on the non-football injury/illness list for a matter GM Ryan Poles said began before he joined the Bears.
The waiver opens a 90-man roster spot ahead of the May 8-9 rookie minicamp and leaves the CB2 competition to Jaylon Johnson, Tyrique Stevenson, Malik Muhammad, and Terell Smith.

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