In the matter of just one very long year, Chicago Bears stud nickel cornerback Kyler Gordon has gone from defensive cornerstone to a gigantic question mark.
It is by no fault of his own, though, as soft tissue injuries have completely changed the course of his career -- for now, at least. As the Bears get set for training camp, it is anyone's guess whether or not Gordon will be able to take the field.
If he can't, then the Bears have a huge hole to fill with one of a few potential candidates. But, general manager Ryan Poles should also entertain a trade that would bring back an old friend, just in case.
Former Bears fan favorite and summer standout, Reddy Steward, is now with the Dallas Cowboys. But, the cornerback room is getting a little crowded in Dallas. A return to Chicago could be exactly what he -- and the Bears -- need.
The Bears should try and bring back cornerback Reddy Steward via trade
First of all, the Bears don't have a fully logical choice in replacing Gordon, should he not be able to get on the field. One of the options fans might first jump to is special teams ace and backup slot, Josh Blackwell, who is a favorite in Chicago for so many different things he does well.
Beyond Blackwell, who does have experience in the slot here in Chicago, the Bears could go with Cam Lewis or rookie Malik Muhammad.
But, Steward is a natural slot corner. He's a playmaker. He takes those calculated risks that can pay off and become game-changing plays.
During the 2024 preseason, Steward registered a pair of interceptions including a pick-six. This came after going undrafted a few months earlier and, just like that, Steward was a fan favorite in Chicago.
Over his year in Dallas, Steward didn't exactly enjoy a multitude of success. But, as we know, the 2025 Cowboys defense was historically bad. They couldn't do anything well. From front to back, they were atrocious.
Without a decent pass rush or good coverage players around him, Steward wasn't going to be able to shine. He isn't as aggressive as Kyler Gordon, but Steward's prowess in coverage and the chances he takes would normally equate to a better output.
He just had nothing around him, so we can throw last season out the window.
Steward at least has familiarity with the Bears and many players in the locker room. And, I would venture to guess he wouldn't cost a whole lot.,
At this point, the Cowboys are toying with the idea of playing rookie first-round pick Caleb Downs in the slot, pushing Steward to the bench. There are also a couple of other newcomers in Dallas' secondary, so Steward isn't even necessarily a lock to make that roster.
If the Bears wanted to wait until after camp and roster cuts, it'd be too late. Steward would need time to learn Dennis Allen's system and get acclimated.
So, what if the Bears offered a Day 3 pick swap? That might be enough, whether it's a sixth or seventh rounder.
In one move, they could get solid insurance, and at the same time, it would certainly make Gordon a little nervous. Head coach Ben Johnson has been less than pleased with the inability for Gordon to stay on the field.
Obviously Gordon is a great player, but if injuries have taken over, then he might never be dependable again. And as sad as that is, it's the reality we're living in.
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Steward makes sense for Chicago, while Gordon's future could very well be up in the air.
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