The Miami Dolphins announced Saturday that they have released veteran cornerback Nick McCloud, ending a short-lived stay with the team just hours before their preseason loss to the New York Giants.
McCloud, 28, signed with the Dolphins on August 10 after participating in a workout. The move was intended to bolster a secondary dealing with injuries and competition for roster spots during training camp under new head coach Jeff Hafley.
Less than two weeks later, the team decided to move on, freeing up a spot on the 90-man roster as final cuts approach.
A defensive back who has been in the NFL since 2021, McCloud entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Notre Dame (after earlier time at NC State).
He originally signed with the Buffalo Bills, then appeared in games for the Cincinnati Bengals as a rookie. His career has included significant time with the New York Giants from 2022 to 2024, a late-season stint with the San Francisco 49ers in 2024, and the 2025 season with the Chicago Bears.
Across five NFL seasons prior to joining Miami, McCloud appeared in 63 regular-season games with 20 starts. His career totals include 123 tackles, 1.5 sacks, one interception, 12 pass deflections, three forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries.
In 2025 with the Bears, he played in 15 games (four starts), recording 27 tackles and two passes defensed while contributing on both defense and special teams in prior years.
During his brief time in Miami, McCloud saw limited action, including one tackle in the preseason opener against the Washington Commanders.
The Dolphins’ decision suggests the coaching staff is focusing on other options in a crowded cornerback group that includes younger players and veterans such as Marco Wilson, with several others recovering from injuries or listed on the physically unable to perform list.
Roster moves like this are common in late August as teams evaluate depth and prepare for the 53-man roster deadline.
McCloud’s experience and special-teams background made him an intriguing late addition, but Miami ultimately determined he was not part of its plans heading into the regular season.
Now a free agent, McCloud can sign with any team seeking secondary depth or special-teams help. For the Dolphins, the release continues their ongoing roster adjustments as they build under Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, with the preseason providing remaining opportunities to assess remaining candidates.
McCloud’s path reflects the realities of life as a journeyman defensive back in the NFL—frequent team changes, short opportunities, and the constant need to prove value in a highly competitive position group.
