The Chicago Bears selected Malik Muhammad in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and because of that draft position, he is likely going to have to earn his role wherever the team believes he fits best. That could mean learning a position that is still relatively new to him.
Will the Chicago Bears move Malik Muhammad into the slot in 2026?
So far, Dennis Allen and the Bears have been giving Muhammad work in the slot, which represents a notable adjustment from how he was used in college.
Malik Muhammad played in the slot today and said it’s been challenging learning the ins and outs of the position.
— Clay Harbor (@clayharbs82) May 9, 2026
Dennis Allen told him he’s a smart player, said they’re going to throw a lot at him, and wants him to gain some weight. Also told him he has good feet and hips.
He… pic.twitter.com/W3m5aSDASC
During his college career, Muhammad logged 1,762 snaps as an outside cornerback compared to just 199 snaps in the slot. That difference makes it clear that moving inside would be a major transition. Still, it could end up being the best path forward for both the player and the team.
A large reason Muhammad fell to the fourth round was his size. At 182 pounds, there were concerns about how he would hold up physically against bigger NFL receivers. Those concerns showed up at times on film, especially when he was asked to match up with larger, more physical wideouts. Despite strong tape overall and solid technique, enough teams were hesitant about the size concerns that he slipped further than expected in the draft.
For the Bears, the slot could help solve some of those concerns. He may not have to become a full-time slot corner immediately, but moving him around could help protect him from difficult physical matchups on the outside. If Chicago leaves him strictly on the boundary against bigger receivers every week, it may become difficult for him to consistently hold up early in his career.
At the same time, there is upside in seeing how he develops inside. Muhammad could end up thriving in the role and becoming a long-term answer in the slot. Even if that does not happen immediately, there is little downside to expanding his versatility while he develops. Since he is not expected to start this season, the Bears can afford to take their time with the transition.
There is also a possible long-term opening at the position. Kyler Gordon has dealt with injuries, and those concerns became more noticeable last season. If those injury issues continue, Chicago may eventually need another reliable option in the slot.
The Bears do have Josh Blackwell available for that role, but Muhammad could still factor into the competition sooner than expected. Beyond that, the combination of Gordon’s injury history and the potential cap savings tied to his contract could create a difficult decision for Chicago after the season.
That possibility gives Muhammad a realistic path to playing time. Spending this year learning the position and adjusting to NFL responsibilities could put him in a much stronger position entering next season. If that development goes well, the slot may ultimately become the clearest route for him to earn a starting role with the Bears
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