Amid all of the positivity and hype surrounding the Chicago Bears coming out of their OTAs and minicamp, one of the bigger storylines isn't so positive. Slot cornerback Kyler Gordon still has yet to practice, and with the soft tissue injuries clearly being a problem, that could bleed into training camp.
When the Bears open training camp in a few weeks, they might end up having to rethink their strategy in the cornerback room if Gordon is still unable to get on the field. Gordon's injury concerns will open the door for a couple of rookies, including this year's fourth-round pick, Malik Muhammad, out of Texas.
Even beyond Muhammad, though, the Bears could see an undrafted free agent take full advantage of an opportunity.
Tulane product KC Eziomume might be starting at the bottom of the totem pole, but he certainly has a case to make this roster, although it'll require some other things to fall into place.
Kyler Gordon's injury could give KC Eziomume a chance at making the Bears' roster
First of all, let's say Gordon is unable to get on the field. Although that's the worst-case scenario, these are the things we need to start planning for as fans. We can't be surprised as last season's injuries continue to hamper Gordon this offseason.
Muhammad did play some snaps in the slot while at Texas, and, given his size and skill set, he might just be better in that area. His potential versatility could give the Bears exactly what they need with Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson locking down the starting spots on the outside for 2026.
Muhammad should get some reps in the slot during training camp. And, if he does, that opens up a lane for Eziomume to take advantage of.
Look at the competition at outside cornerback for a moment. Zah Frazier is no longer in the picture, which automatically opens up a spot going into 2026. Eziomume's biggest competition will come from Terell Smith, who is coming off a season-ending injury that sidelined him for all of 2025.
The best-case scenario with Smith is that he's back to full strength and can be a key reserve for the Bears.
Beyond Smith, Eziomume will be competing with Jaylon Jones and Dallis Flowers. The former is nowhere near starting quality but is fine in a pinch if the Bears need a fill-in. Flowers, meanwhile, hasn't started a game in three years and allows a passer rating of 122.1 for his career.
To say Eziomume has a shot at this roster is not an exaggeration by any means. Standing 6-foot-1, 195 pounds and running in the 4.3's is no easy task. His size and speed combination are enough to make him stand out.
Furthermore, Eziomume actually had some reps in the slot in college as well. Could that give him a leg up on making the squad? It certainly doesn't hurt.
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The Bears will very likely keep six or seven cornerbacks. If Eziomume has a good camp and is able to make some plays on film during the preseason, there is no question that his chances of making this team are better than most UDFAs.
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