Chicago Bears: 5 players facing crucial contract years in 2021

Chicago Bears cornerback Desmond Trufant is facing a crucial 2021 season

When the Bears decided to cut cornerback Kyle Fuller earlier this offseason, they almost immediately signed his replacement. Seeing Fuller go to Denver hurt, especially knowing it would be veteran Desmond Trufant taking his spot.

Trufant has had strong ball production at times over his career, but the issue has been with his health. In three of his last five seasons, Trufant has played in a maximum of nine games. In each of his last two seasons, he’s missed roughly half the season due to injury.

If he’s healthy, Trufant is a satisfactory starter. He’s not going to kill the Bears’ defense, and he’ll likely come up with a few passes broken up. In five seasons, he’s had double-digit passes defensed.

Now, he comes to the Bears as the sure fire starter opposite Jaylon Johnson. However, both he and Johnson have issues when it comes to staying healthy. If either one of them go down, the Bears are in trouble. But, if Trufant goes down, he could have a hard time getting a job beyond 2021. Forget his one-year, prove-it deal with the Bears. He may not have much of a career after this year if he can’t stay healthy.