William Wright waived by Chicago Bears marks a quick turn in the former Tennessee walk-on’s pro timeline after a camp that featured mostly practice reps and minimal preseason snaps.
The Bears trimmed their roster on NFL cut day, and the move leaves Wright on the waiver wire as teams finalize 53-man rosters; the primary report is available from Sports Illustrated.
Key Takeaways
- William Wright was waived by the Chicago Bears on NFL cut day after spending camp primarily on practice reps.
- Wright did not record a tackle across the three-game preseason slate and saw limited game opportunities.
- The Bears could hope Wright clears waivers so they can add him to the practice squad and continue his development.
William Wright waived by Chicago Bears
The official transaction places Wright back on the waiver wire as NFL teams move from expanded camp rosters toward game-day limits.
As a former Tennessee walk-on, Wright’s path to a regular-season roster hinged on converting limited practice-week reps into on-field preseason snaps.
He did not record a tackle in the three preseason games, which left evaluators with a small sample to judge his pro readiness.
How limited preseason reps shaped his evaluation
Players who spend the bulk of camp taking only practice reps face an uphill climb when cuts come, because preseason game tape is often decisive for fringe roster players.
Wright’s usage pattern — heavy in practice periods but light in game action — constrained his ability to show coverage range and in-game instincts to multiple coaching staffs.
That limited visibility helps explain why the Bears chose to waive him rather than carry him into the 53-player roster mix.
Former Vols waived or released during NFL cut day
| Player | Position | NFL Team | Cut Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joey Aguilar | Quarterback | Jacksonville Jaguars | Waived |
| McCallen Castles | Tight End | Green Bay Packers | Released |
| Matthew Butler | Defensive Lineman | Miami Dolphins | Released |
| Dominic Bailey | Defensive Lineman | Houston Texans | Waived |
| William Wright | Defensive Back | Chicago Bears | Waived |
Roster and recruiting impact for Tennessee Volunteers
For Tennessee’s program and its fan base, Wright’s waiver is a reminder of the narrow margin facing undrafted and walk-on prospects at the pro level.
Waiver outcomes for former Vols who enter NFL camps are also a recruiting data point, showing both the opportunities available and the steep competition that follows.
If Wright clears waivers and lands on a practice squad, the path keeps him close to the league and preserves a potential NFL window, which is a common next step for players with limited preseason exposure.
