Chicago Bears post-free agency CB depth chart: Two players decide things

As the Chicago Bears shift their attention to the 2026 NFL Draft, there are a few positions that they must address and others that are not quite as needy.

Where does the cornerback room stack up on paper compared to other positions?

Chicago Bears cornerback depth chart

Jaylon Johnson

Johnson has been established as a solid starter in the NFL. He may not have maintained his All-Pro-level play over the past two years, but he is far above average and not an issue the team has to worry about.

Tyrique Stevenson

Stevenson has been rocky since he had a strong start to his rookie season. Still, with the team moving on from Nahshon Wright and not looking hard for a replacement, it is clear that Stevenson will enter the season most unchallenged for a starting job.

Kyler Gordon

The biggest question with Gordon is injuries. When he is healthy, he appears to be one of the better cornerbacks in the NFL; the issue is that he cannot stay on the field consistently. Ben Johnson had frustrations this year.

Josh Blackwell

Blackwell has been a reliable slot option and plays special teams, and that should not change again this year.

Terrell Smith

Smith missed all of last season with a knee injury that he suffered in the preseason. Perhaps the Bears' trust in his health and return is why they did not try to bring Wright back, and why they did not bring in legitimate competition for Stevenson.

Zah Frazier

Frazier missed his entire rookie season for unknown reasons but is expected to be back. His return is another reason why the team is more comfortable at cornerback.

Jaylon Jones

Jones has bounced around but has mostly been depth for the Bears. He hopes that the uncertain statuses of Frazier and Smith will give him a chance at the roster.

Dallis Flowers

Flowers was mostly depth insurance for the Bears last year and will be back in the same role again this year.

Dontae Manning

Manning has been in the NFL for one season and has not taken a regular season snap. The Bears hope that happens again this year.

Do the Chicago Bears need to draft a cornerback?

This will hinge solely on Frazier and Smith. If these two are healthy, active, and the coaches trust them, there is no need. If these two cannot be relied on, they are too thin for the position.