The Chicago Bears' secondary will look quite different next season compared to 2025. Defensive backs C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Jaquan Brisker, Nahshon Wright, and Kevin Byard III have all joined new teams since free agency opened, while the likes of Coby Bryant and Cam Lewis have been added to DBs coach and defensive pass game coordinator Al Harris' unit.
With all that movement, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson might have a feeling that he could be next in line to leave if he doesn't turn things around. As talented as he is, Stevenson has struggled with off-field issues and inconsistent on-field performances since arriving in the Windy City.
That's why plenty of Bears fans had their attention piqued over the weekend when Stevenson appeared in an Instagram video (h/t @spidervisuals), vowing to be better ahead of a contract year.
"This (expletive) here about to be dangerous. I’m telling you. I’m coming back for everything. The last two years, I put that on me. This year, this (expletive) for my son. I promise you. I promise you."Tyrique Stevenson, Bears CB
While it's always great to hear players take accountability for their shortcomings, Stevenson might be putting himself in a tough spot with these comments.
Tyrique Stevenson Is Officially on His Last Chance
Owning up to mistakes is encouraging to see. Conversely, taking the blame means Stevenson won't have anyone to point the finger at if the struggles continue, opening the Bears to turn the page when he hits free agency next March.
Stevenson entered the league as a second-round pick in 2023, and while he's shown glimpses of strong play, there's also been plenty of head-scratching moments. Most people still remember him for the Hail Mary fiasco against the Washington Commanders in 2024, and he wasn't that consistent next season, either.
Despite making 29 appearances and starting 24 games over the last two seasons, Stevenson has only had three interceptions during that span after having four as a rookie. He's also seen his broken-up pass total drop from 16 to 12 to 10, which isn't an encouraging trend as his rookie contract wraps up.
Stevenson is coming off giving up 33 catches on 57 targets for 512 yards and one touchdown, missing 10.9% of his tackles and giving up 190 yards after the catch. While that's far from the worst performance, it also shows plenty of room for improvement — especially if he's seeking CB1-quality money on his next deal.
Additionally, his Pro Football Focus 64.4 overall grade ranked 50th among 114 eligible cornerbacks, and his coverage grade (59.6, 70th) was even worse.
That said, Stevenson will be 26 next season, and there's no reason to believe he can't turn the corner if he puts in the work. He'll be in the final year of his rookie deal, and players on a contract year obviously have additional motivation to get it together.
It just means that he can't afford to take his foot off the gas pedal at any moment. His up-and-down time in Chicago has already given the Bears a few reasons to seek a divorce.
If he ends up going back on his latest promise, he'll be giving them another (and potentially final) cause for separation.