Devin Duvernay Scott Daly Bears Roster Moves Bears Waiver Claims
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Bears head coach Ben Johnson.
The Chicago Bears are already making a change at the wide receiver position just one day after finalizing their initial 53-man roster for the 2025 NFL season.
According to the team’s transaction wire, the Bears released veteran wide receiver and two-time Pro Bowl returner Devin Duvernay on Wednesday in a series of roster moves.
Duvernay had made the Bears’ initial 53-man roster as one of their six receivers and was expected to function as the team’s primary return specialist for the 2025 season, but the 27-year-old will now become an unrestricted free agent — for the time being.
The Bears also released long snapper Scott Daly and claimed cornerback Jaylon Jones and linebacker D’Marco Jackson off waivers to keep their roster at the 53-man limit. Chicago needed depth at both positions after placing linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga on injured reserve and rookie cornerback Zah Frazier on the non-football injury list.
Is Devin Duvernay’s Release a Case of Roster Juggling?
The release of Duvernay comes as a little bit of a surprise on the heels of roster cuts, but it remains possible that the Bears have zero intention of making his exit permanent.
Duvernay is a vested veteran player, which means he is not subject to waivers following his release from the Bears. He could sign with another team if he chooses, but he might have an understanding with the Bears that, once they have tweaked their roster with waiver claims, they will re-sign him and plug him right back into the depth chart.
Duvernay might not have a starting role on offense, but he should still have value to the Bears as an experienced depth player and an electric return specialist. He has averaged 12.0 yards on 88 career punt returns and 24.9 yards on 87 career kickoff returns, taking two kicks to the house for scores. He has also made the Pro Bowl twice as a returner.
Then again, perhaps the Bears have found younger options in their return game and are comfortable putting Duvernay in their rearview. Duvernay returned just one kick for 21 yards in his only attempt of the preseason, but fellow wide receiver Maurice Alexander — now on the practice squad — and running back Kyle Monangai also saw action there.
Bears Bolstered WR Depth With Practice-Squad Moves
Regardless of how the Bears proceed with Duvernay, they will have ample depth at the wide receiver position after assembling their first practice squad of the new season.
The Bears re-signed Alexander, Miles Boykin and undrafted rookie JP Richardson on Wednesday to their practice squad in addition to 12 other players who cleared waivers following the 53-man roster cutdown. The Bears also brought back long snapper Luke Elkin for their practice squad, giving them an alternative option if Daly does not return.
Chicago will have opportunities to elevate its practice-squad receivers to the game-day roster if they feel they need more reinforcements without Duvernay in the picture — if that move sticks. Alexander could be a candidate after getting plenty of experience in the return game during the preseason. He was also likely the last man cut at receiver.
The Bears will kick off their 2025 season against the Minnesota Vikings at home for Monday Night Football at 8:15 p.m. ET on September 8.