The Chicago Bears won a division title last season, but they already look much different heading into the 2026 season. The turnover has been especially evident at secondary, with several high-profile departures in free agency. Despite all the changes, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson remains stuck in the middle.
After being benched late last season, it wouldn’t be surprising if Ben Johnson and his staff threw in the towel on the former second-round pick this spring. But after surviving free agency, Stevenson appears ready to return to his previous role in 2026, and he may have been given a second chance after the Bears’ draft haul.
Tyrique Stevenson Enters Massive 2026 After NFL Draft Concludes
Stevenson didn’t walk away from the draft completely unscathed, but you could argue he didn’t take much damage either. The Bears selected Texas cornerback Malik Muhammad in the fourth round last weekend. While he has strong coverage numbers (21 catches for 168 yards and a touchdown with two interceptions and two pass breakups on 35 targets) per Pro Football Focus, he also needs time to develop.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler dove deeper on Muhammad’s game in his draft guide titled, The Beast. While he ran a 4.42-second 40-yard dash at the combine and has “good instincts,” he also “can be outmuscled at times” due to his 6'0", 182-pound frame.
“Muhammad is a tall, skinny athlete with quality coverage-match talent,” Brugler wrote. “He doesn’t consistently play up to his timed speed, but he does show lateral agility and strain to stay attached to routes. …Muhammad can be out-physicaled at times, but he plays with good reaction quickness and route instincts, which help him stay attached in man or zone.”
Brugler adding that Muhammad “projects as a starter” doesn’t sound good for Stevenson, but that’s unlikely to happen right away as a fourth-round pick. Terell Smith is coming off a torn patellar tendon, and Zah Frazier missed his entire rookie season due to a personal issue, which gives Stevenson a chance to redeem himself this upcoming season.
Stevenson battled hip and shoulder injuries, which led to one of the worst statistical seasons as a pro, setting new career lows with 49 tackles, an interception, and 10 pass breakups. Stevenson was also beaten frequently by opposing receivers, allowing 40 catches for 617 yards and a touchdown on 65 targets and allowing 1.61 yards per coverage snap, according to Pro Football Focus.
Those big plays have been frequent throughout his career, with 14 total touchdowns allowed on 256 career targets. But the Bears may believe that Stevenson’s injuries may have contributed to last year’s poor performance. Chicago’s offseason moves have been a quiet vote of confidence for the veteran, as Nahshon Wright left to sign with the New York Jets in free agency. Stevenson could hold off Muhammad for at least a year, playing beside Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon in the starting lineup.
After last year's performance, it was no secret that it would be an important 2026 for Stevenson. But with the Bears handing him another opportunity to get back on track, Stevenson could revive his career and earn a big payday – whether that comes in Chicago or somewhere else.
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