There was a point in time when Kyler Gordon had the full trust and enthusiasm of the Chicago Bears organization. His success over the first couple of seasons as a nickel corner helped him land a lucrative contract extension. Then, in the space of barely a year, all of that goodwill has vanished. Gordon missed 14 games last season. It would be one thing if this were caused by one major injury, like a knee or Achilles. That stuff happens. However, his issue was recurring soft tissue problems.
So you can imagine the reaction when news broke that a calf problem had sidelined him for the start of training camp, landing him on the PUP list. General manager Ryan Poles spoke to the media for the first time on the team’s official report date for camp. While often measured with his comments, the team’s head executive didn’t mince words. He made it crystal clear that he and the organization are getting tired of Gordon failing to get his body right.
It didn’t stop there. Towards the end of the discussion, Poles dropped a minor bombshell. Gordon should not expect his job as the nickel cornerback to be guaranteed when he eventually does return. Head coach Ben Johnson and his staff have no reason to trust him at this point. They will not give him anything until he earns it. What happened last year has clearly led to some sour feelings.
Kyler Gordon has lost trust.
That can often be a death knell for players in the NFL. Struggling on the field is one thing. That can often be corrected with some adjustments to preparation and technique. The worst thing that can happen to you is that coaches no longer feel your presence would help the team. Gordon has reached that point of no return. Poles was being diplomatic with his comments. When head coach Ben Johnson was asked about it, he brushed the subject aside with two simple words.
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“Get healthy.”
Some have felt that if Kyler Gordon hadn’t signed that contract extension last year, Johnson likely would’ve cut him already. Right now, it’s impossible due to cap penalties. That gives the cornerback a slight reprieve. Yet it sure sounds like the Bears have no plans on waiting for him anymore. They saw what that got them last season. Five games of mostly mediocre play. That is nowhere near acceptable. Johnson wants players who stay on the field. He had no hand in drafting Gordon, so there is no sense of loyalty to the player.
The cornerback has painted himself into a corner.
This is not a case where everything can be chalked up to terrible luck. Soft tissue injuries are a result of poor conditioning and preparation. Despite what Poles said about him working hard to get back, the evidence doesn’t back that up. Either Gordon has the flimsiest musculature of any player in the NFL, or the team is covering up other issues. There are rumors that he enjoys the nightclub lifestyle. Perhaps a little too much. That isn’t known for certain.
What is known is that Gordon has used up his last remaining life. If he can get back on the field and put together a strong training camp, there is a good chance he won’t be starting opening day in Carolina. The next month will be spent finding his replacement. Maybe it will be 4th round pick Malik Muhammad. Maybe veteran backups Josh Blackwell or Jaylon Jones take advantage of the opportunity. The Bears could also look to sign help in free agency. Either way, they’re about done with this experiment.
