The Chicago Bears have signed safety Nick McCloud, adding another former Notre Dame player to their roster. McCloud, who had a brief stint with the Fighting Irish in 2020, has previously played for teams like the Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, New York Giants, and San Francisco 49ers. Over his career, he has accrued 85 tackles, 3 forced fumbles, and an interception, showcasing his potential as a solid contributor in Chicago.

This move underscores the Bears' growing connection with Notre Dame talent, as McCloud joins fellow Irish alumni Cole Kmet and Durham Smythe, among others. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if McCloud can build on his past performance and further bolster the Bears' defensive unit.

The Chicago Bears have announced the signing of cornerback Nick McCloud to a one-year contract, enhancing their special teams unit. A product of the undrafted free agent class of 2021, McCloud has had a journey through various NFL teams, making a name for himself primarily on special teams. He joins the Bears to compete for a cornerback position following Jaylon Jones' departure to the Arizona Cardinals.

McCloud’s experience includes time with the Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, and most recently, the New York Giants, where he showcased his abilities in 14 games during the 2022 season, making significant contributions on both defense and special teams. The Bears hope that his past performance and versatility will fill the gap left by Jones and bolster their secondary.

The New York Giants faced internal trust issues during the 2024 season, exacerbated by a contentious incident involving cornerback Nick McCloud prior to a pivotal game against the Dallas Cowboys. Reports surfaced that Giants general manager Joe Schoen pressured McCloud to accept a pay cut, even suggesting he would cut the player if he couldn’t be replaced quickly. The tension was palpable as Schoen allegedly warned McCloud’s representatives not to worry about paying rent, indicating his willingness to part ways without hesitation.

McCloud, who signed a one-year tender worth $2.9 million as a restricted free agent, played a significant role in the Cowboys game, participating in 37 defensive snaps. Despite the uneasy situation, the Giants delayed his release, likely hoping to gain assets before the trade deadline. Ultimately, McCloud was waived on November 5 and subsequently joined the San Francisco 49ers’ practice squad, appearing in the final games of the season. His release and the management’s actions impacted team morale, given McCloud’s popularity within the locker room.

The New York Giants have decided to retain Joe Schoen as their general manager and Brian Daboll as head coach, despite troubling reports regarding the team's internal issues during the 2024 season. A significant point of contention arose around cornerback Nick McCloud, who was asked to take a pay cut from his one-year $2.98 million deal prior to Week 4, just as he was set to start a game. McCloud expressed a desire to stay with the Giants at his current salary but ultimately was released and signed with the San Francisco 49ers.

Reports indicate that Schoen communicated a lack of regard for McCloud's situation, telling representatives, 'Don't pay October's rent, all right? As soon as I can replace him, I’m going to replace him. I’m not f---ing around.' This statement exemplifies the dysfunction permeating the Giants organization, with players feeling that Schoen underestimated the impact of losing respected teammates such as Saquon Barkley and Xavier McKinney, who were also let go. The locker room dynamics, particularly Barkley’s role in maintaining team morale throughout a challenging season, have raised questions about Schoen's management as he heads into a critical 2025 season.

The New York Giants have faced a tumultuous season under head coach Brian Daboll, concluding with a dismal 3-14 record, tied for the worst in the NFL. A blowout loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, followed by a string of defeats, has left fans and players questioning the team's direction and leadership. Daboll's unconventional film session aimed at addressing criticism of the team's effort raised eyebrows as the Giants struggled to execute plays effectively.

The season was marked by injuries, including the significant loss of left tackle Andrew Thomas, and quarterback struggles, with Daniel Jones failing to meet expectations. Ownership's decision to retain Daboll and GM Joe Schoen, despite the team's failures, reflects their belief in the leadership potential demonstrated in previous seasons. However, the lack of accountability and communication has been a persistent theme, leading to distrust among players.