The Pittsburgh Steelers have waived cornerback Terell Smith, creating a potential opportunity for the Chicago Bears to bring back a familiar player as they look for added depth in the secondary. Pittsburgh made the move while activating defensive tackle Derrick Harmon from injured reserve on November 14, 2026.
Chicago waived Smith during its initial 53-man roster cuts at the end of August. The former 2023 fifth-round pick has since spent time with the Washington Commanders and Steelers. He joined Washington’s practice squad on September 2 and signed with Pittsburgh in early October.
## Smith Showed Promise During His Time With Chicago
Smith began his Bears career as competition for Tyrique Stevenson, who was drafted in the same class and went on to become Chicago’s second outside cornerback alongside Jaylon Johnson.
In his first two seasons with the Bears, Smith appeared in 26 games and made six starts. He recorded 10 pass breakups, four tackles for loss, one interception and one forced fumble.
A torn patellar tendon in his right knee, suffered during the 2025 preseason, interrupted his progress. Smith missed head coach Ben Johnson’s first season with the team, and the injury contributed to his release in early September. Now 27, he has had limited opportunities to return to the field: Smith played one game for Pittsburgh against the Cleveland Browns on November 1, appearing on 12 special-teams snaps without playing on defense.
## Bears’ Secondary Could Use Added Depth
Some Bears observers were surprised Chicago did not bring Smith back to its practice squad after releasing him from the initial roster. Since then, the team has faced injury concerns in the secondary, while Stevenson and Johnson have had difficulty consistently shutting down opponents on the outside.
The Bears added All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons at the trade deadline, but cornerback depth remained a potential concern. Chicago had also been considered a possible suitor for Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Riq Woolen, though acquiring him would have required a draft pick.
Smith does not have Woolen’s résumé, but he would not require Chicago to give up future draft assets. He has earned about $4.2 million over his career, and the Bears could consider adding him to their practice squad to bolster the secondary.
