One of the biggest storylines going into the Chicago Bears’ training camp is what the secondary is going to look like in 2026.
The Bears lost some key players from that unit, including Nahshon Wright, Jaquan Brisker, Kevin Byard, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson. That leaves the CB2 job up for grabs with the NFL’s turnover leader from 2025, Wright, now a member of the New York Jets.
At CB2, it’s going to be between Tyrique Stevenson and rookie Malik Muhammad. Many are starting to buy into the hype that Muhammad might actually be ready to start in Year 1, but while Stevenson has not exactly lived up to expectations, he’s got a chance to shut down all the doubt about him.
Tyrique Stevenson is ready to hold on to his CB2 starting job
There were signs last season that Stevenson can still be that great starting corner alongside Jaylon Johnson on the outside. Stevenson posted high Pro Football Focus grades in Week 3 against the Dallas Cowboys and Week 4 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
It was after that point, though, that things took a turn for the worse for Stevenson. Wright started to emerge, forcing turnovers almost weekly, leaving Stevenson on the bench with no defensive snaps by the end of the season. Stevenson had 49 tackles, 10 pass deflections, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, one interception, and one tackle for loss in 13 games last year.
This season is going to be different, though, as Muhammad might be there to compete for the job, but there seems to be a sense that the Bears believe that Stevenson can get it done. They only added Cam Lewis as a potential corner, but he might be playing safety in 2026, leaving the CB2 job up for grabs by Stevenson.
For Stevenson, this is by far the biggest season of his career as he is in the final year of his contract and might either be playing for a new deal with the Bears or another NFL team. That extra motivation might just be the boost he has desperately needed.
The skill set is there for Stevenson, who can play tough coverage, as he did against a great wide receiver duo with the Cowboys last year. There’s just no consistency in his game, as he too often gives up big plays and allows too many completions. Last season, he allowed 15.5 yards per reception, but at least allowed just a 57.9% completion percentage, which is just 1% off his lowest of his three-year NFL career.
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Muhammad being there may not be a great idea in Stevenson’s head, but it is the best thing for him. A little competition can push someone to play better, and it might exactly be what Stevenson needs in this important stage.
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