The Chicago Bears have just over a month until training camp begins. Most players spend that time staying in shape, studying film, and trying to get their minds ready for the hard work. As for GM Ryan Poles, he remains active in his efforts to fortify the depth chart. With the uncertain health status of rookie Kyler Gordon, it appears the team decided to add an extra camp body at cornerback with veteran Jayson Stanley.
A former wide receiver from the University of Georgia, the 25-year-old arrived in the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2019. From there, he’s bounced around several teams, including the Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars, Seattle Seahawks, and Green Bay Packers. To date, he’s played in eight games in his career but never logged any tackles, interceptions, or passes defended. Further proof the Bears likely see him as extra help for camp.
My guy @Itslilstanley just keeps pushing. He just reached an agreement with the Chicago Bears. Proud of you bro! pic.twitter.com/o89VuUQ4wH
— Justin Brown (@Justinb31Brown) June 21, 2022
Chubb's Wild Dawg TD:
-Jayson Stanley (@Itslilstanley) manhandles the DE
-Isaiah Wynn (@iwynn77) & Christian Payne seal edge#UGAGameFilm pic.twitter.com/POIU1vEr0v— Dayne Young (@dayneyoung) September 26, 2017
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Jayson Stanley is an interesting physical specimen.
He did a little bit of everything in college, from offense to defense and special teams. Yet his production in all of those phases was almost nonexistent. It’s a testament to his hard work that he’s managed to hang around in the NFL even as a practice squad member for as long as he has. He certainly has intriguing size at 6’2, 200 lbs, and 4.46 speed. The building blocks are there for a quality cornerback. For whatever reason, he hasn’t shown enough to warrant an opportunity.
That doesn’t figure to change in Chicago. The team is already in solid shape at the position, with Gordon, Jaylon Johnson, Thomas Graham Jr., and Tavon Young rounding out the top four. That means Jayson Stanley would have to beat out Kindle Vildor, Duke Shelley, Greg Stroman, Allie Green, BoPete Keyes, and Lamar Jackson for one of the final two spots. That doesn’t seem likely at this point. Then again, if it happens, it could be a sign the young corner might be figuring things out.