The Chicago Bears lost several key contributors to their secondary. Kevin Byard III, Nahshon Wright, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and Jaquan Brisker all left in free agency, and while they signed Coby Bryant and Cam Lewis, they didn't add anyone to the cornerbacks room.
That's actually great news for Tyrique Stevenson. Otherwise, he would probably be the first guy to head to the bench, given his erratic play. Clearly, the Bears still have high hopes for him, so it's time he steps up and delivers.
Tyrique Stevenson Has to be Much Better in 2026
In a now-viral workout clip, Stevenson admitted that he hasn't been at his best over the past couple of years. Accountability is always appreciated, but it's time to go beyond that now. He has to put his money where his mouth is and actually do something about it.
As things stand now, he's slated to start at wide receiver opposite Jaylon Johnson, who also struggled last season, mainly due to injuries. The Bears led the league in interceptions last season, but they lost most of their ball-hawks in free agency, so he'll now have to work closely with DB coach Al Harris to see if he can rub some of his turnover-creating magic on him.
Stevenson only picked off one pass last season. His interception totals have decreased every year he's been in the league, going from 4 as a rookie to 2 in 2024. Progress isn't linear, and it takes a lot to pick off a pass, but that regression is still worrisome.
Moreover, he's coming off a season in which he allowed a 57.9 percent successful catch rate for 512 yards and one touchdown. He gave up a career-worst 15.5 yards per reception, 190 yards after the catch, and missed 10.9 percent of his tackles. He was often caught off position and was on the wrong end of some big plays.
He's athletic, fast, and has been healthy for most of his career before missing four games last season. That said, this team's offense is clearly far ahead of schedule, and they can't afford to have the defense slow them down and dig them into holes as often this coming year.
Pro Football Focus gave Stevenson a coverage grade of 59.6, which ranked 70th among 114 eligible cornerbacks. And while it's hard to believe he's going to turn into an All-Pro all of a sudden, the fact that the Bears haven't added anyone to compete with him or provide some depth behind him shows that they still believe in him. Will he pay that confidence back on the field? We shall see.
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