Before the 2024 season started, most pundits considered the Chicago Bears' secondary a strength of the team. However, things didn’t pan out as expected with the defense, so neither the corners nor the safeties really shined.
The Bears will still play plenty of cover 2 and cover 3 with new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, but he’ll call more man-to-man than we’ve seen in Chicago in a long time.
Here are the Bears’ current cornerbacks.
Jaylon Johnson - Signed through 2027 - The two-time Pro Bowler didn’t match his 2nd Team All-Pro nod from 2023, but he did play in all 17 games for the first time in his career. He’s one of the best players on the team and the only Bear who made the Pro Football Focus top 101 players list.
For the second-straight year, Johnson lands in the PFF 101, credit to another year showcasing his sticky coverage ability. While Johnson’s coverage metrics may have dipped slightly, his advanced coverage grade finished in the 98th percentile among all qualifying coverage defenders.
Tyrique Stevenson - Signed through 2026 - After a promising rookie season, Stevenson’s play didn’t take a step up in 2024. There were mental lapses, he was Chicago’s most-penalized defender, and he was rotated out for a few games, but his passer rating against actually improved a season ago.
He’ll need a big 2025 for fans to forget the Hail Mary snaffu in Washington.
Kyler Gordon - Signed through 2025 - Head coach Ben Johnson has praised Gordon a few times, and general manager Ryan Poles has alluded to a contract extension for Gordon.
“It’s always a priority to re-sign your own,” Poles said last week via Marquee, “and Kyler has done a really good job over the last few years making plays and impacting the game. I really believe he’s going to continue to elevate his game to the next level, especially with (defensive coordinator) Dennis Allen’s new scheme.”
Allen mentioned his nickelback in glowing terms at his initial press conference. “Kyler Gordon is an outstanding nickel player,” he said. “I have a vision for how we can utilize him.”
Don’t be surprised if Gordon receives a contract extension this summer.
Terell Smith - Signed through 2026 - Smith has looked good in his limited time over the last two seasons, and he could challenge to start opposite Johnson if Stevenson doesn't bounce back.
Jaylon Jones - Restricted free agent - Jones has been decent when called upon, but tendering him with a right-of-first-refusal offer would cost $3,263,000. I doubt any Bears’ RFAs will get that, but that’s not to say they wouldn’t want Jones back at a lower price.
Josh Blackwell - Signed through 2026 - Blackwell was in the same situation as Jones as an RFA, but the Bears just re-signed him today to a two-year deal. He’s been solid as the backup nickel and special teamer.
Ameer Speed - Exclusive rights free agent - Speed spent most of last year on the practice squad but did appear in two games.
2025 OUTLOOK - The new regime may want some competition for Stevenson and Smith to start opposite Johnson, but I don’t see the Bears spending on a pricy free agent. They’ll go after a cheaper vet or two, perhaps even work out a deal for Jaylon Jones.
Dallas’ Amani Oruwariye (29) ended the year on IR, but he had a bit of a resurgence with the Cowboys last year playing for new Bears' defensive backs coach Al Harris. He was also with the Lions from 2019 to 2022, so Ben Johnson would know him as well.
I asked Jacob Infante to give me a few names of mid/late-round corners that could fit the Bears' scheme, and he likes Upton Stout of Western Kentucky, Bilhal Kone of Western Michigan, and Nebraska’s Tommi Hill.
What do you think the Bears will do at corner?