The Chicago Bears have waived defensive back Zah Frazier, their fifth-round pick from the 2025 NFL Draft. The 23-year-old rookie never saw the field during his debut season, sitting out all of 2025 due to what the team described as a "personal" reason.
Frazier, who was selected with the 148th overall pick, showed promise during training camp but was absent from the lineup throughout the regular season. The Bears' decision to part ways with the young defensive back comes as the team looks to solidify its secondary heading into the offseason.
For a franchise that values depth and development in the defensive backfield, Frazier's inability to contribute was a setback. The move opens up a roster spot as Chicago evaluates its options for the upcoming season—whether through free agency, the draft, or internal promotions.
While the specifics of Frazier's personal situation remain private, his release highlights the unpredictable nature of NFL careers, especially for late-round picks who face steep competition for playing time. For now, the Bears are moving forward without the former fifth-rounder, focusing on building a more consistent defense for 2026 and beyond.
