The Chicago Bears need Kyler Gordon on the field. Unfortunately, it might be a while before they get their slot specialist back out there. Once again, he's dealing with a soft-tissue injury, and he started training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.
Throughout the process, the Bears have been widely supportive of their nickelback. However, it comes a time where frustration starts to mount, and the franchise would love to have a better return on their investment.
That's why general manager Ryan Poles has officially changed his tone regarding Gordon's situation. And while he acknowledged that he's not to blame, he put him on notice and claimed he'll have to earn his stripes again:
“I really don’t know. He’s got to get right and the important thing we’ve all talked about is when he gets back he’s got to stay back,” Poles said (h/t NBC Sports). “When he gets back he’s got to earn that trust back.”
The Chicago Bears might be laying the groundwork to move on from Kyler Gordon
While sometimes quotes can be taken out of context, this isn't the case in Chicago. The Bears worked out four cornerbacks in the slot on day one of training camp, according to Adam Jahns of CHGO_Sports:
"As promised by Bears DC Dennis Allen, there were different players at nickel back with Kyler Gordon sidelined. Jaylon Jones played with the starters in team periods, while Cam Lewis took over in 7-on-7," Jahns wrote. "Josh Blackwell and rookie Malik Muhammad also got reps at nickel back."
Rookie Malik Muhammad is probably the most interesting option of the aforementioned. They might also want to give Coby Bryant some looks in the slot in certain packages, with rookie Dillon Thieneman being used at strong safety more often than not.
Granted, none of them might be as good as Gordon was before all the soft-tissue injuries. That said, he needs to get (and stay) on the field for any of that to matter. Otherwise, there's no point in even keeping him around once final roster-cut day comes.
Gordon's stellar play granted him teh honor of being the league's highest-paid nickel cornerback last season. They gave him a three-year deal worth a whopping $40 million, yet he was only able to suit up for five games last season. He already missed time in OTAs, so he's definitely not trending in the right direction.
Injuries are a part of the game, and they can't be avoided most of the time. He's not to blame for being hurt, and it's not like he doesn't care or is holding out for money. That said, this is a ruthless business, and there's no use for those who can't get on the field.
The Bears can't cut Gordon now because they'd have to take a $9.45 million cap hit, according to Over The Cap. Then again, they can probably get his big contract off their books with a trade, though his market value might be at an all-time low right now.
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