This training camp for the Chicago Bears is going to be even more intense than what head coach Ben Johnson had for his guys in his first season.
That's because expectations have completely changed for the franchise after winning 11 games, a division title, and a playoff game against the Green Bay Packers. Winning is the only option for this team, so they'd better be ready to come prepared to lay their bodies on the line.
One position group that might see the most intense battles is at cornerback, with all the attention on the Bears' CB2 battle between Tyrique Stevenson and rookie fourth-round pick Malik Muhammad. Another cornerback, though, is starting to make it even tougher for the Bears to ignore getting legitimate playing time.
Terell Smith is ready for his time to shine in 2026
In a recent social media post, Smith shared a 53-second video of himself putting in the work. He looked fluid and smooth with his movements at cornerback and appeared to be getting back into shape for the 2026 season.
This upcoming year is a massive one for Smith, as he is coming off his torn patellar tendon injury in the preseason last year that cost him the whole 2025 season. He was placed on injured reserve and replaced by Nahshon Wright, who earned a Pro Bowl selection last year.
Over the previous two seasons with the Bears after being a fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Smith has racked up 68 tackles, 10 pass deflections, four tackles for loss, one interception, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery in 26 games.
Entering 2026, the cornerback position is going to be quite the battle with a lot of guys fighting for a roster spot. Smith feels like he should be a near-lock to make the team, but he will have to prove that he can work his way back from the injury.
Stevenson and Muhammad are the top contenders to start at CB2, but don't be surprised if Smith is somehow in the conversation to start somewhere as well. There have been quite a few injuries in this group over the last season, and with the Bears dealing with Kyler Gordon's unknown status from his soft-tissue injury, Smith might get some early chances to play.
Read more: Why these two Bears young superstars could make their first Pro Bowls
There may not be a more important season for Smith than this year, especially since he is in the final year of his rookie contract and is trying to stay in Chicago beyond this year. If he can ball out at training camp, he might see himself in the most important role of his career in 2026.
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