Every Chicago Bears fan is familiar with the image by now. The Bears are about to pull off a frustrating but exciting road win against the Washington Commanders. Tyrique Stevenson is so sure of it that even as he's back to defend a Hail Mary, he's taunting the home fans and not really paying attention to what's happening in front of him, many yards away.
Jayden Daniels throws the deep pass, and by the time Stevenson catches up to the ball, he only has enough time to tip it right into the hands of Noah Brown, sending Commanders fans into a frenzy as their team has accomplished a last-second miracle that they will remember for generations.
It catapults Daniels to an Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign, and talking heads debate whether the Bears were right to draft Caleb Williams first overall instead, especially since Daniels was picked immediately after. The Bears ultimately fire a head coach midseason for the first time ever, and the Commanders go on to play for the NFC Championship.
It's possible all of this would have come to pass even if Stevenson had been completely focused during that last play and prevented the touchdown from scoring. We'll never know the answer to that question, but we know both teams' 2024 trajectories were set on their permanent paths right then and there. Stevenson's apology afterwards wouldn't change anything.
Tyrique Stevenson May Be Starting But His Future in Chicago Remains Uncertain
So it goes without saying that Stevenson is desperate to prove that he belongs on the Bears long-term in 2025. It's a contract year for him, meaning the pressure will be even greater than it already was.
While not starting two games may have played a factor, almost all of Stevenson's 2024 numbers were small but noticeable decreases from his rookie season the year before. If his stats continue to go down, there's a good chance he'll be elsewhere after this season is over.
Fortunately for Stevenson, Ben Johnson appears to have faith in him. The depth chart on the Bears' website lists him as a starting cornerback alongside Jaylon Johnson. So, unless something happens between now and when the Bears open their season, we have to assume Stevenson will be on the field early and often in 2025, at least for the moment.
Playing two NFC North teams in the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions, out of the gate in 2025 should be a great measuring stick for him. As long as he's productive and pays attention every time he's out there, he'll be just fine.