The Chicago Bears got a bit impatient to start Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft as they decided to trade up five spots to make their first selection in the fourth round.
Chicago sent their 129th overall pick and 144th overall pick to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for the 124th overall pick and 166th overall pick. The Bears used that 124th overall pick to take Texas cornerback Malik Muhammad.
Last season with the Longhorns, Muhammad racked up 30 tackles, four pass deflections, two interceptions, and one sack. He was a second-team All-SEC selection in 2025.
Bears select Malik Muhammad with the fourth round pick
Chicago adds some depth to the cornerback room after losing Nahshon Wright and C.J. Gardner-Johnson from last year's room. While Zah Frazier is expected to play in 2026 after missing all of last year for an undisclosed reason, Muhammad could jump in and compete for playing time.
Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon have earned their starting jobs at corner, but there are question marks with Tyrique Stevenson after a rocky end to the 2025 season. Stevenson did start the season as Johnson's replacement, but by the end of the season was receiving zero snaps, with Johnson returning and Wright taking over as the CB2.
More than likely, Stevenson still enters training camp as the starting CB2, but Muhammad could jump in and potentially steal the job from him. Muhammad might be a bit undersized, but he plays tough coverage and should be seen as a legit contender to start.
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The Bears need help on defense after finishing in the bottom 10 in pass defense last year. Muhammad could be a guy who helps out right away and gets the secondary back on track.
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