Nick McCloud is a professional cornerback currently playing for the Chicago Bears. Since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2021, McCloud has developed into a versatile defensive asset and a consistent contributor on special teams. As of the conclusion of the 2025 regular season, his career statistics include 45 games played, 19 starts, 123 total tackles, 1 interception, 1.5 sacks, and 12 passes defended.

2025 Season Statistics with the Chicago Bears

During the 2025 NFL season, Nick McCloud served as a vital rotational cornerback for the Chicago Bears, primarily providing depth and stepping into a starting role during periods of injury within the secondary.

Defensive Production and Snap Counts

In 2025, McCloud's role was defined by his reliability in sub-packages. His statistical output for the season is summarized below:

  • Total Tackles: 12 (as reported in general seasonal tracking) / 25 (per PFF defensive grading metrics)
  • Defensive Snaps: 431
  • Pass Breakups (PBUs): 2
  • Interceptions: 0
  • Passer Rating Allowed: 148.6 (on targeted throws)

According to Pro Football Focus (PFF) grading, McCloud maintained an overall defensive grade of 49.9 for the 2025 season. His performance was characterized by his activity in run defense and coverage versatility. He recorded 262 coverage snaps and 166 run defense snaps, ranking him as a high-usage reserve cornerback across the league.

PFF Advanced Metrics for 2025

  • Coverage Grade: 51.8
  • Pass Rush Grade: 49.1
  • Run Defense Grade: 44.4
  • Total Pressures: 1
  • Receptions Allowed: 25

Comprehensive NFL Career Statistical Summary

McCloud’s journey through the NFL has spanned five different organizations: the Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers, and Chicago Bears. His cumulative stats reflect a player capable of maintaining production across diverse defensive schemes.

Career Totals (2021–2025)

Category Statistic
Games Played 45
Games Started 19
Total Tackles 123
Solo Tackles 96
Sacks 1.5
Interceptions 1
Passes Defended 12
Forced Fumbles 3
Fumble Recoveries 3

Year-by-Year Professional Breakdown

2024 Season (New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers)

In 2024, McCloud split time between the Giants and the 49ers. Before his release from New York in November, he appeared in 7 games (5 starts), tallying 13 tackles and 1 pass defensed.

  • Solo Tackles: 10
  • Special Teams Tackles: 1
  • Defensive Snaps (Giants): High-volume participation in weeks 1, 4, and 8.

2023 Season (New York Giants)

The 2023 season remains one of McCloud's most productive years in terms of turnover generation. He played in all 17 regular-season games.

  • Stats: 28 total tackles (19 solo), 1 interception, 3 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries.
  • Key Game: Week 11 against the Washington Commanders, where he intercepted a pass from Sam Howell and recovered a fumble.
  • Starts: 3 starts at cornerback.

2022 Season (New York Giants)

McCloud saw his highest volume of starts in 2022, helping the Giants reach the postseason.

  • Games Played: 14
  • Starts: 8
  • Tackles: 43 total (35 solo).
  • Sacks: 1.5 (Notably recorded a full sack and 2 QB hits in the season finale against Philadelphia).
  • Postseason Stats: 2 tackles and 1 forced fumble in two playoff appearances.

2021 Season (Cincinnati Bengals)

Following his stint on the Buffalo Bills' practice squad, McCloud appeared in 2 games for the Bengals.

  • Stats: Limited defensive snaps (14) and special teams involvement (10 snaps).

Situational and Environmental Performance Analysis

Detailed statistical tracking reveals how Nick McCloud performs under specific game conditions. These metrics are crucial for understanding his impact beyond the box score.

Performance by Field Position (2024-2025 Data)

When defending near the goal line or in transition, McCloud’s numbers vary:

  • Opponent 49-20 Yard Line: 11 total tackles, 1 pass defended.
  • Own 1-20 Yard Line: 4 total tackles.
  • Own 21-50 Yard Line: 9 total tackles.

Game Half Splitting

  • 1st Half: 12 total tackles.
  • 2nd Half: 10 total tackles, 1 pass defended.
  • Clutch Situations: In the last two minutes of a half, he has recorded 5 tackles, demonstrating reliable tackling in high-pressure clock management scenarios.

Surface and Location Impacts

Statistical analysis shows a preference for specific playing surfaces:

  • Turf Surfaces: 22 total tackles, 1 pass defended.
  • Road Games: 16 total tackles (showing higher volume tackling during away contests compared to home games).

Point Differential Statistics

McCloud's defensive activity often correlates with the scoreboard:

  • When Behind (1-8 points): 10 tackles.
  • When Tied: 4 tackles.
  • When Ahead: 5 tackles.

Collegiate Statistical Foundation

McCloud's professional reliability is rooted in a productive five-year college career at North Carolina State University and the University of Notre Dame.

North Carolina State (2016–2019)

Over four seasons with the Wolfpack, McCloud appeared in 37 games.

  • 2018 (Junior Year): His breakout season with 51 tackles, 8 passes defended, and 2 interceptions across 11 starts.
  • 2017 (Sophomore Year): 34 tackles, 7 passes defended, and 1 interception.
  • 2016 (Freshman Year): 15 tackles and 3 passes defended in 11 games.
  • 2019 (Senior/Medical Redshirt): Limited to 2 games due to injury, recording 7 tackles.

University of Notre Dame (2020)

As a graduate transfer, McCloud started all 12 games for the Fighting Irish, including a College Football Playoff appearance.

  • Stats: 33 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 interception, and 8 passes defended.
  • Honors: Earned Second-Team All-ACC honors.
  • Notable Performance: Recorded 2 fumble recoveries in the double-overtime win against No. 1 Clemson.

Professional Transaction and Roster History

The progression of Nick McCloud's career can be tracked through his movement across NFL rosters, which highlights his value as a waiver-wire acquisition and a dependable depth player.

  1. May 13, 2021: Signed by the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent.
  2. September 1, 2021: Claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Bengals.
  3. November 8, 2021: Re-signed to the Buffalo Bills practice squad.
  4. August 31, 2022: Claimed off waivers by the New York Giants.
  5. November 5, 2024: Released by the New York Giants.
  6. November 2024: Brief stint with the San Francisco 49ers.
  7. 2025 Season: Signed and played for the Chicago Bears.

Summary of Defensive Impact

Nick McCloud's statistical profile illustrates a player who excels in "hybrid" roles. His ability to switch between nickel corner and outside corner, combined with his high tackle volume on special teams, makes him a valuable component of an NFL roster. While he may not produce high interception totals, his consistency in pass deflections (12 career) and his ability to force fumbles (3 career) indicate a disruptive presence in the secondary.

Career Efficiency Metrics

  • Tackle-to-Game Ratio: 2.73 tackles per game.
  • Turnover Creation: 1 turnover-related play (INT/FF/FR) approximately every 6.4 games.
  • Durability: Played in 17 games in 2023, showcasing significant availability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are Nick McCloud's total career tackles?

As of the end of the 2025 season, Nick McCloud has recorded approximately 123 total tackles across his NFL career.

Which team does Nick McCloud play for in 2025?

Nick McCloud played for the Chicago Bears during the 2025 NFL season, serving as a cornerback and special teams contributor.

How many interceptions does Nick McCloud have?

Nick McCloud has 1 career NFL interception, which occurred during the 2023 season while playing for the New York Giants against the Washington Commanders.

What was Nick McCloud's PFF grade for 2025?

Nick McCloud finished the 2025 season with an overall PFF grade of 49.9, based on 436 defensive snaps with the Chicago Bears.

Where did Nick McCloud go to college?

He played four seasons at NC State (2016–2019) before transferring to the University of Notre Dame for his final collegiate season in 2020.