UNC Football: Chicago Bears waive rookie receiver Dazz Newsome

Former UNC football standout Dazz Newsome has been waived by the Chicago Bears.

Just days before the start of the 2021 NFL season and in the midst of final roster cuts, the Chicago Bears made the decision to waive rookie wide receiver Dazz Newsome on Tuesday.

The recent sixth round draft pick and former North Carolina football standout wasn’t expected to be cut, and it came as a surprise to most. That’s partially because the Bears have just five total receivers on their roster, and they’re not exactly stacked full of elite talent at the wide receiver position. Newsome had also been given a large portion of punt returns during the team’s preseason games, and his absence now leaves some serious question marks at that position.

The Bears are reportedly hoping to see Newsome on their practice squad, but he’ll have to clear waivers before that can happen. Along with Newsome, the Bears waived Thomas Graham, Jr., meaning that two of the team’s three sixth round picks have now been cut.

Newsome, a four-year player at the University of North Carolina, will now hope to catch on with another NFL organization before being relegated to the Bears’ practice squad. He showed flashes during the preseason that reminded fans of his time in Chapel Hill when he racked up 188 receptions, nearly 2,500 yards and 18 touchdowns. His best season came as a junior when he notched 72 catches for 1,018 yards and 10 scores — all career highs.

Check back with Keeping It Heel for all the latest on former Tar Heel Dazz Newsome, and UNC football alumni throughout the NFL.