Bears cornerback entering contract year could finally unlock breakout season

Chicago Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson is more locked in and focused this season as he entered OTAs with the team. Bears defensive back coach Al Harris was asked about Stevenson and responded by saying he sees a noticeable difference in the way that he is approaching the game.

The Chicago Bears could get a breakout from Tyrique Stevenson

The Bears would love nothing more than to see Stevenson at his best this season, and it could benefit the player in a big way as well.

Stevenson is due a contract at the end of this year. Chicago has a tough decision to make because Stevenson has been up and down throughout his career. He looked like a long-term starter during his rookie year, but he fell apart in year two. He was much more up and down in year three, but that can be chalked up to the shift in defensive scheme with a new coordinator in place.

Now, he enters a pivotal year four. If he has a good year, the Bears, or even a group of teams, could offer him a contract, and it could drive his market up. At the same time, if he does not play well next year, teams are going to be unsure if he can start for them, and he is going to have to sign a one year deal with minimal guaranteed money. There is a lot on the line here, and he seems to know that.

The Bears could use a strong season from Stevenson as well. Nahshon Wright came out of nowhere and was the Bears' best cornerback through most of the season. He was too boom-bust to re-sign, but the Bears need to find someone to help match that production.

Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon are both going to be healthier this season than they were last year and that should help. At the same time, if the Bears can get an impact season from Stevenson, the group might end up being much improved from the unit they had last year.

Still, the Bears are not going to give Stevenson the longest leash. Terell Smith was injured last year and will be in the mix. He was better than Stevenson at times in 2024. Beyond that, they drafted Malik Muhammad in round 4, and he will compete to start as a rookie. With so many players coming for his spot it makes sense for him to be locked in.

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