How A Big Tyrique Stevenson Update Just Shifted Bears Draft Projections

The Chicago Bears have said they will take the best player regardless of position later this month when the NFL draft kicks off. Some have wondered if that will include cornerbacks. With Naishon Wright leaving in free agency, some people aren’t sure what the starting lineup will look like in 2026. Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon are sure to remain in the mix despite their injury problems last season. The big question mark is Tyrique Stevenson. His playing time was drastically reduced in the second half of last year, leading some to wonder if he’d fallen out of favor with defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.

If that is the case, one has to think cornerback is higher on the priority list than people realize. Adam Hoge of CHGO provided an update on that situation.

My understanding is they still view fourth-year corner Tyrique Stevenson as a starter, even though he didn’t finish the 2025 season in that standing. While Wright flashed with takeaways last season, the Bears are betting on Stevenson’s overall ability to cover as he continues to adapt in Dennis Allen’s defense. The team also believes in Terell Smith as a good depth piece and is holding out hope that last year’s fifth-round pick, Zah Frazier, will get in the mix after missing all of his rookie season.

This update lends credence to the belief that Stevenson’s benching was less about poor play and more about the inability to justify keeping Wright off the field. The Bears obviously needed Johnson and Gordon out there once they returned from injuries. The problem was that this forced them to choose between starting Stevenson or Wright. By that point, Wright was near the league lead in interceptions. Giving that up wasn’t something they could justify.

Tyrique Stevenson faces the most pivotal season of his career.

Like fellow teammate Gervon Dexter, 2026 represents a do-or-die scenario in many ways. He’s in the last year of his rookie contract. There have been stretches of really good play from the young cornerback, but also more than a few blunders. His infamous Hail Mary fiasco in 2024 sits at the top of the list, but it goes beyond that. Stevenson, despite his obvious talent, has struggled with consistency and focus. The ability is there. When he’s on, he is a very good cornerback. He only allowed one touchdown last season and none in 13 straight games.

While this revelation likely means the Bears will avoid taking a cornerback in the 1st round, it doesn’t mean they won’t address the position. Not only do they need depth, but they will likely want some insurance in case Stevenson and Terell Smith leave next year. Right now, the odds of him securing a new contract from the team are remote. They already paid Johnson and Gordon. If both return to form, it is almost impossible that Chicago will pay another corner. We already saw they were willing to let Jaquan Brisker leave, who was also a former 2nd round pick.

It’s clear Stevenson is well aware of his situation.

Recently, he posted a video on social media in which he basically admitted he hadn’t been taking his job seriously enough. Yet now that he is a father, he is beginning to understand the true burden of responsibility. That is why he has been going through intensive preparation ahead of this season, aiming to be in top condition. It’s possible the Bears are aware of this newly dedicated approach and are willing to give him another opportunity to cement his spot in the lineup long term.

That said, Tyrique Stevenson should expect competition. This regime isn’t afraid to push players by adding talent at positions that were supposed to be settled. They proved it last year with Colston Loveland and Luther Burden. Stevenson may have dodged the executioner’s ax for a year, but he’s not out of danger. That sense of urgency he feels is justified. If the Bears are having doubts about him, rest assured, it is the case with other NFL teams as well. Changing that perception will take all year.