Last Sunday, the Chicago Bears signed cornerback Kyler Gordon to a three-year, $40 million contract extension. That deal makes Gordon the highest-paid nickel cornerback in the NFL, which is well deserved after his first three seasons.
On Thursday, the Bears coaching staff met with the media for the first time since Gordon's extension.\
According to ESPN's Courtney Cronin, defensive coordinator Dennis Allen shared that the next step for the newly extended Bear is identifying a second position. Allen said, "Does he compete some at safety? Outside corner? He needs to be learning both of those spots." Allen's desire to explore multiple spots with Gordon opens up lots of possibilities.
Dennis Allen addresses Kyler Gordon's extension and says the next step is for the Bears to identify a second position for him outside of nickel: "Does he compete some at safety? Outside corner? He needs to be learning both of those spots."
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) April 17, 2025
Kyler Gordon to See an Expanded Role in 2025
As it stands right now, Chicago has questions at safety after this season. Veteran Kevin Byard, who will be 32 at the end of the 2023 season, is entering the final year of his deal.
At the same time, Jaquon Brisker has dealt with multiple concussions throughout his young career, which may affect how Chicago sees him fitting into their future. Seeing if Gordon can play safety would alleviate some of the potential pressure that finding two new safeties would pose.
Testing the 25-year-old at outside corner would mean he'd be battling Tyrique Stevenson. Stevenson had a terrible 2024 season, highlighted by the fiasco in Washington, but still has immense potential. He just needs a coach who can help him keep his attitude in check.
Although Allen's curiosity about finding a second role for Gordon should excite Bears fans, his main priority should still be the nickel. In three seasons, Gordon has 207 tackles, 17 pass deflections, five interceptions, two forced fumbles, and 1.5 sacks from that spot.
Furthermore, he has 13 QB hurries and has only recorded a pass coverage grade of lower than 68 once, according to PFF. If Allen finds even more ways to deploy Gordon, his contract will end up looking like a steal by the end of it.